MMAjunkie.com Radio: John Howard, Tamdan McCrory, Justin McCully and Vinny Magalhaes

MMAjunkie.com Radio returns today with another stacked show, including UFC 101 opponents and welterweight prospects John Howard and Tamdan McCrory.

Also joining the show in studio is frequent co-host and UFC 102 competitor Justin McCully and "The Ultimate Fighter 8" runner-up Vinny Magalhaes.

Catch MMAjunkie.com Radio Monday-Friday at 12:05 p.m. EST (9:05 a.m. PST) live from the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino's Race & Sports Book. Listen to and watch the show at www.mmajunkie.com/radio.

Justin McCully vs. Mike Russo and Tim Hague vs. Todd Duffee complete UFC 102 card

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

With the addition of two heavyweights bout on the preliminary card, the lineup for UFC 102 is now complete with a total of 11 fights.

"UFC 102: Couture vs. Nogueira" takes place at the Rose Center in Portland, Ore., and airs on pay-per-view.

As MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) first reported last week, UFC 102 has two new bouts: Mike Russo (11-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) vs. Justin McCully (9-4-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC) and Todd Duffee (4-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) vs. Tim Hague (10-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC).

McCully had been slated to fight rising heavyweight prospect Junior Dos Santos at the Portland event. However, last week he told MMAjunkie.com Radio that Dos Santos had been scratched from the card and replaced by UFC newcomer Russo.

Click here to read the entire article on MMAjunkie.com

MMAjunkie.com Radio: UFC 100's Tom "Just Bleed" Lawlor, guest host Justin McCully

Guest hosting today's show is UFC 102 fighter Justin McCully, a student of the fight game who earned rave reviews during his most recent radio appearance. Also stopping by is MMAagents.com's Ken Pavia, who may have some breaking news for listeners. Catch MMAjunkie.com Radio Monday-Friday at 12:05 p.m. EST (9:05 a.m. PST) live from the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino's Race & Sports Book. Listen to and watch the show at www.mmajunkie.com/radio.

Junior dos Santos out, Justin McCully to face Mike Russow at UFC 102 in Portland

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

Fast-rising UFC heavyweight prospect Junior dos Santos (8-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) has been pulled from the the preliminary card at UFC 102, and Justin McCully (9-4-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC) will instead face UFC newcomer Mike Russow (11-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC).

McCully announced the change on today's edition of MMAjunkie.com Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio).

Headlined by a heavyweight contest between MMA legends Randy Couture and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, UFC 102 takes place Aug. 29 at the Rose Garden in Portland, Ore.

McCully, who had been slated to face dos Santos, was not sure why his original opponent was pulled from the bout, and MMAjunkie.com was not immediately able to reach the Brazilian for comment.

McCully most recently fought in a December 2008 win over Eddie Sanchez at UFC Fight Night 16. The 12-year veteran has won five of his past six contests, the lone loss coming by submission to Gabriel Gonzaga at UFC 86 in July 2008.

Prior to the Gonzaga loss, McCully had earned a unanimous-decision win over Antoni Hardonk in April 2007, his first appearance for the UFC.

Click here to read the entire article on MMAjunkie.com

MMAjunkie.com Radio: UFC Fan Expo director Ed Gallo, WEC champ Mike Brown, Justin McCully

After a small scheduling change, UFC Fan Expo director Ed Gallo is an in-studio guest on today's edition of MMAjunkie.com Radio, where he'll discuss the Friday-and-Saturday UFC fan festival at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

Also joining the show in studio is WEC featherweight champion Mike Brown and UFC heavyweight Justin McCully, who promises to break some news during today's segment.


For more on MMAjunkie.com, and to listen to and watch the shows, go to www.mmajunkie.com/radio

UFC 2009: Undisputed’s 85 Playable Characters Include The TapouT Crew

Originally posted on PS3attitude.com

Here's a list of the MMAagents.com Roster Represented in the game.....

Heavyweights
Justin McCully

Middleweights
Martin Kampmann (WW)

Welterweights
Anthony Johnson
Chris Lytle

Click here to read the entire article at PS3attitude.com

Junior dos Santos and Justin McCully agree to meet at UFC 102

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

While it certainly won't be the evening's most anticipated heavyweight bout of the night - that honor will undoubtedly belong to MMA legends Randy Couture and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira - heavy handed Brazilian Junior dos Santos (8-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) and 12-year veteran Justin McCully (9-4-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC) have agreed to meet at UFC 102.

Tatame.com was the first to report the possibility of the matchup, and MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) has since learned from sources close to the bout that both fighters have agreed to the contest, though bout agreements have not yet been finalized.

Although not yet announced by the organization, UFC 102 is expected to take place Aug. 29 in Portland, Ore.

Click here to read the entire article at MMAjunkie.com

Junior Dos Santos vs Justin McCully at UFC event in August

Originally posted on UrDirt.com

With the Ultimate Fighting Championship scheduled to have possibly three cards during the month of August a potential Heavyweight bout could be expected at either UFC 101 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania or at UFC 102 in Portland, Oregon between the hard hitting Brazilian Junior “Cigano” Dos Santos and Justin McCully.

During a new interview with Tatame.com Dos Santos talks about the possibility of being added to either UFC event in August where he could be facing McCully as his next scheduled opponent.

Click here to read the entire article at UrDirt.com

What you May Not Know About MMA Fighter Justin McCully

Originally posted on the JuggernautMMA.com

Even if you follow MMA pretty closely there will still be fighters that you don’t know or that you don’t know that much about. One of them probably is Justin McCully. He’s a heavyweight, and he trains hard for what he does.

In 2000 he took some time away for the sport to spend time with his newborn daughter and to address some other personal issues, but those things have long been worked out and McCully is in full force and ready to take on all new comers. Like McCully and others, you have to train hard and stay committed if you want to be an MMA fighter. One of the best ways that you can make that happen is through a school like MMA Richmond. The instructors there are top quality and they are dedicated to making your MMA training and fighting dreams come to pass. You can learn a lot there, and the day may come when you’re in the ring with MMA fighter Justin McCully.

Click here to read the entire article at theJuggernautMMA.com

Justin McCully vs. Neil Grove Confirmed for UFC 95

Originally posted on MMAweekly.com

A heavyweight bout for UFC 95 in London has been confirmed as Justin McCully will make his return to the Octagon to face British fighter, and UFC newcomer, Neil Grove, on the undercard of the show.

The bout was confirmed to MMAWeekly Radio by McCully's agent, Ken Pavia, on Thursday night.

Currently sporting a 2-1 record in the UFC, McCully looks to keep the momentum from his last fight, a win over Eddie Sanchez, going and he has a tough test ahead with his opponent slated for the England show.

Click here to read the entire article at MMAweekly.com

Justin McCully to fight Neil Grove at UFC 95

Originally posted on StrikeMMA.com

It was widely known that the UFC has signed British Heavyweight fighter Neil “Goliath” Grove (7-1) and that he would make his UFC debut at UFC 95 in London, England, however his opponent was not known. Now it appears that Grove will be fighting UFC veteran Justin McCully(9-4-2, 2-1 UFC) in England according to Fighters Only Magazine.

McCully who trains at Team Punishment with Tito Ortiz is coming off of a decision victory over Eddie Sanchez at UFC Fight for the Troops. Grove is a Cage Rage veteran who is a highly regarded prospect. The fight should be a good one for the fans in England.

Click here to read the entire article at StrikeMMA.com

New Episode of FCF Radio featuring Justin McCully

Justin "The Insane One" McCully stops in to chat about his recent win in the UFC over "The Manic Hispanic" Eddie Sanchez. Hear the changes "The Insane One" has made since his Octagon debut, and why he's upset he didn't get a shot at Brock Lesnar.

Click here to listen to the FCFradio Show

Despite desire for change, Justin McCully staying at heavyweight

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

After defeating Eddie Sanchez by decision at UFC Fight 16, veteran heavyweight Justin McCully (9-4-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC) is now 2-1 in the organization's heavyweight division.

And while "The Insane One" feels comfortable continuing on in the heavyweight division, the 32-year-old wouldn't mind seeing an oft-debated additional weight class added to the current system.

"You look at it and you say, 'That's just not fair,'" McCully recently told TAGG Radio (www.taggradio.com), the official radio partner of MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com). "[UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar] is 280 pounds. He cuts to 265. It was rumored that he was 291 pounds the night he fought Randy (Couture), and Randy weighed in right around 225."

McCully believes the massive weight range allowed in the heavyweight division necessitates a review of the current weight class structure.

"You look that and you say, 'Well why don't they have a class in the middle of that?'" McCully said. "Where's the class that seperates the 206 (pounders) and the 265 (pounders)? Why don't they have a cut-off line at 225 pounds, 230 pounds, and give these guys a fair shake?

"Make it a true heavyweight division, and then make a super-heavyweight division. I really think there's room for that."

While McCully remains firm in his belief that another weight class would be an advantageous to the sport as a whole, he will not allow the current system to keep him from his ultimate goal.

"Since there's not that division, instead of killing myself and cutting to the 205, 206 pound range, I figure let's go for it," McCully said. "Let's put these big guys in the ring and try to put them on their back. Brock's got the title, so he's the guy to shoot for."

McCully knows he still has a little work remaining before he can challenge Lesnar. But with wins over Sanchez and Antoni Hardonk wrapped around a loss to Gabriel Gonzaga, McCully believes his shot is not too far off.

"Being 2-1 against those guys, I see myself as a contender in the division," McCully said. "The division isn't super-stacked. If I was to drop to 205 (pounds), I'd have a serious road to get to a title match. I think where I sit right now in the heavyweight division, mabe I'm two or three fights away from having a serious campaign for the heavyweight title -- and maybe even shorter.

Click here to read the entire article at MMAjunkie.com

Carson's Corner featuring Justin "the Insane One" McCully

MMA fighter Justin McCully is the guest on Carson's Corner. The interview took place just before his fight with Eddie Sanchez, which he won by unanimous decision.

Click here to listen to the entire interview at carsonscorner.podOmatic.com

Justin McCully on Today's Tagg Radio

Efrain Escudero, a finalist from "The Ultimate Fighter: Team Nogueira vs. Team Mir," is a guest on today's edition of TAGG Radio. Escudero meets fellow lightweight finalist Phillipe Nover at Saturday's live show finale on Spike TV.

Also booked for the show is Justin McCully, who scored a unanimous-decision victory over Eddie Sanchez at Wednesday's "UFC Fight Night 16: UFC Fight for the Troops" show.

TAGG Radio, the official radio partner of MMAjunkie.com, streams Monday-Friday at noon ET (9 a.m. PT) at www.taggradio.com.

Click here to listen to the entire show at taggradio.com

McCully Earns Big Win at UFC Fight Night for the Troops

Posted by Sean Frank

Justin McCully earned a Unanimous Decision over Eddie Sanchez to up his record to 2-1 in the Octagon. This was a big spot for McCully following a tough loss to top contender Gabriel Gonzaga. This should put "The Insane One" back into contention in the UFC heavyweight division.

Big Damn Jay’s Cageplay.com UFN 16 Breakdown

Steve Bruno vs Johnny Rees

Both fighters are coming off losses in their UFC debuts, so this is an important match for both of them. If I were Rees, I would definitely try and get this fight to the ground where he should be able to submit the American Top Teamer.

Big Damn Jay’s Pick: Johnny Rees

Justin McCully vs Eddie Sanchez

Again both fighters are coming off losses in the somewhat ho-hum heavyweight division. These 2 share an opponent in that of the hard kicking Dutchman, Antoni Hardonk. While Sanchez lost to a 2nd Round TKO, McCully beat Antoni by a Unanimous Decision. Expect Team Punishment’s McCully to grind out a GNP victory over hard headed Sanchez.

Big Damn Jay’s Pick: Justin McCully

Click here to read the entire article at CagePlay.com

Goulet, Rees, Wolff, and McCully all Make Weight for UFC Fight Night 16

MAIN CARD
Josh Koscheck (171) vs. Yoshiyuki Yoshida (171)
Jonathan Goulet (171) vs. Mike Swick (171)
Razak Al-Hussan (205) vs. Steve Cantwell (206)
Tim Credeur (186) vs. Nate Loughran (185)
Jim Miller (156) vs. Matt Wiman (156)

PRELIMINARY CARD
Brodie Farber (174) vs. Luigi Fioravanti (173.5)*
Steve Bruno (171) vs. Johnny Rees (169)
Ben Saunders (170) vs. Brandon Wolff (170)
Dale Hartt (156) vs. Corey Hill (155)
Eddie Sanchez (246) vs. Justin McCully (228)

Justin McCully contemplates changes after UFC Fight Night 16

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

When heavyweight Justin McCully (8-4-2 MMA, 1-1 UFC) enters the cage for Wednesday night's "UFC Fight Night 16: UFC Fights for the Troops," he will be at a crossroads.

But as the 32-year-old recently told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com), he feels that all paths lead to a successful destination.

"You go from a semi-main event to an undercard with a guy like Gabriel Gonzaga, then back to the Ultimate Fight Night," McCully said. "But I feel very comfortable on the Ultimate Fight Night, and especially fighting for the troops. It's going to be an honor."

An 11-year veteran of MMA, McCully fought just twice between 2000 and 2005. The Team Punishment fighter returned to active competition in 2006, and a three-fight win streak earned him a shot in the UFC against Dutch heavyweight Antoni Hardonk.

Click here to read the entire article at MMAjunkie.com

The Insane One: Exclusive Interview with Justin McCully

Originally posted on FightTicker.com

FightTicker.com: Hey, man. How have things been going with you?

Justin McCully: Really good. I just opened up a school in Maui with Kendall Grove -- another Team Punishment guy -- and "Rude Boy" Troy Mandaloniz called the I&I Training Center. So with Team Punishment we’ve got a new foundation out there and in Hawaii too. Going nationwide and hopefully worldwide really soon.

FightTicker.com: So you’re training for an upcoming fight with Eddie Sanchez. Are you doing anything new to train for that fight?

McCully: I wouldn’t say anything new. Obviously Eddie’s a big puncher, big striker, so I’ve concentrated a little bit more on my boxing, but I wouldn’t necessarily say anything new. I’m just trying to get back to Justin McCully and the "Insane" winning ways and get confident again. I brought in a good solid camp.

FightTicker.com: Anyone in particular you’re training with?

McCully: Yeah, I want to give a big shout out to Al Stankie. He’s keeping my hands lightening fast. I got Rafael Davis, former NCAA wrestler -- he’s coming off a couple big victories. I got Jason Parillo who helps out B.J. Penn with his hands. I’ve got my brother -- Shawn McCully -- and Joe Schillings, who is amazingly fast in his hands and feet, and there are several other guys in the camp.

FightTicker.com: What’s your regular training like?

McCully: You know, on a day-to-day basis, you wake up, you run a couple of miles, then you get into the boxing gym, and you wrestle. I implemented some yoga this time, because I wanted to get a better range of motion on my submissions. So I’ve been doing a lot of stretching and a lot of conditioning along with the regular training regimen.

FightTicker.com: You have a BJJ black belt. Do you expect to have a major grappling advantage against Eddie Sanchez?

McCully: As far as gameplan goes, I’m looking to go out there and bang with him. He’s got big power and big hands, and he’s got some speed too, so he’s dangerous with his hands. Looking at it on paper people say, “Well Justin’s a fool if he goes out there and bangs with him. You should probably take him down and try to get him out of there as early as possible.”

But, you know, we’re out there fighting for the troops, we’re putting on an awesome show for these guys, and everyone wants to see two guys standing there banging. And I kinda want to stand in the ring and get comfortable against a big puncher, since we’ve got all of these big huge heavyweights now. You got to deal with the moment to moment reality of the situation.

Click here to read the entire article at FightTicker.com

UFC Fight Night 16 broadcast set for three hours, minimum five fights

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

December's "UFC Fight Night 16: UFC Fights for the Troops," a nationally televised event that serves as a fundraiser for the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, will feature a full evening of fights.

The broadcast, which airs on Spike TV, will run three hours and feature a minimum of five fights, Spike TV officials have confirmed with MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com).

The Dec. 13 event takes place at the Crown Coliseum in Fayeteville, N.C., in conjunction with the Fort Bragg military installation.

....

The full UFC Fight Night 16 fight card includes:

MAIN CARD
Josh Koscheck vs. Yoshiyuki Yoshida
Jonathan Goulet vs. Mike Swick
Razak Al-Hussan vs. Steve Cantwell
Tim Credeur vs. Nate Loughran
Frankie Edgar vs. Matt Wiman

PRELIMINARY CARD
Brodie Farber vs. Luigi Fioravanti
Steve Bruno vs. Johnny Rees
Ben Saunders vs. Brandon Wolff
Dale Hartt vs. Corey Hill
Eddie Sanchez vs. Justin McCully

Click here to read the entire article at MMAjunkie.com

McCully Looks To Pick Up Where He Left Off

By: MMARated.com

Jeffrey Lee: First off, how has your training camp been going with Team Punishment?

Justin McCully: Team Punishment has kind of been disbanded at the moment and everyone is doing there own thing - other than Razor [Rob McCullough] and Da Spyda [Kendall Grove] who are currently sponsored by them. So I put together my own team of trainers bringing back my true brothers Sean McCully, Jason Parillo, and Allan Goes.

JL: After your fight with Antoni Hardonk you had a nagging elbow injury. How is your elbow currently feeling?

JM: As far as I know [it’s] 100% but you never know unti you test it in the line of fire. So I'll tell you after the 5th.

JL: With not fighting since last April, do you think you’ll have any “cage rust” from not fighting in the Octagon for so long?

JM: I’ve had long layoffs in my career, and have always comeback strong. I think it helps build hunger for me and to avoid complacency of just being there. I like the feeling of having something to prove.

JL: How hard was it for you to sit on the sidelines?

JM: Sidelines have never been my favorite place to be. I live for the thrill of competition, it’s the true essence of life.

JL: Back in February, on “Inside MMA” you revealed that you were approached to fight Brock Lesnar at UFC 85. Why did the fight against Brock never materialize? Was the bout ever offered to you?

JM: My lips are buttoned on that sorry.

JL: Were you disappointed at all that you weren’t able to fight your original oppnenent, Frank Mir?

JM: Very much so. I went from a quarter main event to a swing bout with what many, and I myself believe to be a tougher match up stylistically. I think Frank and I would have a great fight that the fans would love. I really hope it comes around again. But it’s what Joe Silva wants so that’s what I will do.

JL: Speaking of your opponent, what are your thoughts on Gabriel Gonzaga?

JM: Gonzaga is an amazing warrior. I look forward to testing my skill set against his. We both have explosive power and great technique. No matter what the outcome, the fans are the true winners here.

JL: Obviously, he is coming off two straight losses, are you expecting him to be very aggressive in this fight?

JM: Of course, that's him. He's a bull [and] he'll try to break me early but that’s not going to happen. I’ve got my own plans. I will execute a masterful game plan to please the crowd, and my coaches.

JL: Do you think you’re a better Jiu-Jitsu practitioner than Gonzaga?

JM: I don’t know, I've never rolled with him. But I do know my lineage is fourth generation from the greatest Gracies’ ever. Carlos Gracie the first master of the family to Carlson Gracie, the best Vale Tudo fighter from the family who carried the family on his back for a long time, who also assembled the greatest Jiu-Jitsu competition team ever. Which is when my coach Allan Goes won eight National Championships, never done before nor after. So is it better? We'll see, but I’m confident in my ability.

JL: If you’re able to get past Gonzaga, is there a particular fighter you’d like to fight next?

JM: That’s not for me to decide, I’m just seeing this match right now

JL: What do you say to the critics out there who believe the heavyweight division is the weakest in the UFC?

JM: I'd say where do they get their credential? It may be wide open, but weak? Not even close. We have a great open class, as I like to call it, with phenomenal fighters all within two to three fights away from a title shot. It's a shootout! [It] could possibly be the best heavyweight division the UFC has ever offered its fans.

JL: Lastly, who do you think takes the main event, Rampage or Forrest?

JM: All I can say is wow, what a fight it’s gonna be!

Justin McCully "close to 100 percent" for Gonzaga clash

by John Morgan- MMAjunkie.com on Jul 04, 2008 at 4:49 pm ET

Eleven-year veteran and one-time Team Punishment fighter Justin McCully (8-3-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC) will enter his second heavyweight bout in the UFC much as he did the first -- a decided underdog. But McCully is relaxed and ready on the eve of his UFC 86 undercard bout with Gabriel Gonzaga.

McCully discussed the challenges he faced in the 15 months since his latest UFC appearance while a guest on a today's edition of TAGG Radio (www.taggradio.com), the official radio partner of MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com).

"I'm in shape right now, so I'm ready to get in there and do this," McCully said. "After eight hard weeks of training, you just want to get it over with. Now's the moment where you're going, 'Come on. Just hurry up and get here.'"

McCully has had plenty of time to plan his return to the octagon. An injury suffered in his April 2007 victory over Antoni Hardonk forced the 32-year-old out of action.

"I got caught in an armbar at the end of the first round with Antoni Hardonk," McCully explained. "He was bending my arm backward. It was a good thing we were face down and Herb Dean couldn't see my arm pulled backward, so he didn't stop the fight. ... I had to have surgery and fix it up."

McCully said the procedure to remove bone spurs and repair ligament detachments was a success.

"I'm back probably at as close to 100 percent as you can be," McCully said. "I'm ready to get in there and bang."

A surgically repaired elbow won't be the only enhancement McCully brings to the cage tomorrow night. A freshly cropped head of hair will be on display, as the corn rows worn by McCully in his previous bout proved to be a problem.

"[My hair] kind of presented a problem in the last fight against Hardonk," McCully admitted. "(I) took [Hardonk] down, had him up against the cage, and he was holding on to my hair like it was a handle. Those braids just kind of made a little lip there for him to wedge his glove in between my neck and my hair. I was hard time lifting up to get separation so I could punch and elbow and do different things, and it kind of cost me a little bit there. So I wanted to eliminate anything negative that somebody could do to me."

Gonzaga enters the contest after two straight defeats. McCully, despite riding a four-fight win streak, is picked by most to end up on the losing end of the contest. No longer with Team Punishment, McCully has devised a game plan with his new instructor, Allan Goes, to take out "Napao."

"[Gonzaga] is a big guy," McCully said. "I'm giving up some size to him. I'm probably giving up 15 to 20 pounds and maybe an inch in height. But I'm obviously going to do my best to use my speed and not let him trap me underneath him."

McCully, despite never having earned a knockout in his eight career victories, felt the fight could be won on the feet.

"I know everybody is scared of that big, vicious head kick he caught 'Cro Cop' with," McCully said. "But it came after [Gonzaga] softened him up with a good ground-and-pound assault. I'm looking forward to not letting him get on top of me, and pound him out on our feet."

McCully also discussed the state of Team Punishment, his time in professional wrestling, and why he returned to MMA after a three-year layoff. To hear the full interview, download Friday's edition of TAGG Radio, available for free in the TAGG Radio archives.

Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Justin McCully planned for UFC 86

Originally posted by Dann Stupp on Jun 02, 2008 at 3:39 pm ET

Former top UFC heavyweight contender Gabriel Gonzaga (8-3 MMA, 4-2 UFC) will likely return from the first back-to-back losses of his career when he meets Justin McCully (8-3-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC) at UFC 86.

Sources close to both fighters tell MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that the heavyweights recently accepted the bout and that it should be finalized shortly. The fight was first reported by our official radio partner, TAGG Radio (www.taggradio.com).

UFC 86 takes place July 5 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas and airs live on pay per view.

Gonzaga, who began his UFC career with a 4-0 record, hasn't fought since a January second-round TKO loss to Fabricio Werdum at UFC 80. The televised bout was a rematch from their September 2003 meeting at Jungle Fight 1 in Brazil. Werdum TKO'd Gonzaga in that event, as well.

Prior to the loss, Gonzaga fought at UFC 74 in August 2007 and suffered a third-round TKO to UFC heavyweight champion Randy Couture.

McCully, meanwhile, will return to action for the first time since his April 2007 unanimous-decision victory over Antoni Hardonk. McCully, part of Tito Ortiz's Team Punishment, had been a rumored opponent for Frank Mir, but the bout was apparently scrapped when the former champ was selected to coach opposite current champ Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira on the upcoming eighth season of "The Ultimate Fighter."

For the latest rumored UFC 86 fight card, which features a main event and title fight between "TUF7" coaches Quinton Jackson and challenger Forrest Griffin, check out the MMA Rumors section of MMAjunkie.com.

Report: Mir vs. McCully at UFC 86

Originally Posted by MMAjunkie.com Staff [mmajunkie-staff] on Apr 02, 2008 at 10:06 am in

- News -

Heavyweights Frank Mir (11-3 MMA, 9-3 UFC) and Justin McCully (8-3-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC) will meet at UFC 86, an event that features a title fight between 205-pound champ Quinton Jackson and Forrest Griffin on July 5 in Las Vegas.

The report comes from MMAWeekly.com, citing sources close to both fighters.

Mir is riding high after a come-from-behind victory over Brock Lesnar in February. McCully, meanwhile, will return from injuries and fight in the octagon for the first time since his successful UFC debut nearly a year ago.

Mir, a former UFC heavyweight champion, earned co-main-event status during his UFC 81 fight with former NCAA Division I wrestling champion and WWE performer Lesnar. On the verge of suffering a TKO early in the fight, Mir got a break when Lesnar was deducted a point for blows to the back of the head. Lesnar continued to deliver brutal strikes, but Mir survived to slap on a fight-ending kneebar just 90 seconds into the fight.

Mir, who suffered a devastating motorcycle accident in 2004, picked up his second straight victory and his third win in his past four fights.

With his victory over Antoni Hardonk a year ago, McCully, a member of Tito Ortiz's Team Punishment, is now 3-0 since returning to MMA after a three-year break from the sport. He has a four-fight win streak and has won five of his past six fights overall.

For the latest UFC 86 fight card, check out the UFC Rumors section of MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com).

2007 - The Year of Upsets?

MMA N-sanity Vol. 1

As we wind down this miraculous year of fighting; I question was this the year of the upsets? So many times this year, we saw what were thought to be horrendous mismatches; as time showed us we were wrong.

What does that mean? Is it that our belief in Pride to have the best fighters was wrong? Or once a fighter reaches his potential he loses his hunger? Good old fate shaking things up? Perhaps it was clever match-making to keep salaries down and fighters in check? Probably it is all of the above to some degree. But, first things first.

Pride had a disappointing showing after the UFC's acquisition of the company. However I'm not so sure it’s all their fault. For years Pride would hire ex UFC stars or fighters and match them with, what were in those arenas, killers. Pride would normally win the lopsided bookings, making themselves look like the world's top stable of fighters. So turn about being fair play. The Pride fighters were given the same treatment. Some might say it’s about time. Let’s face it, Japan has always brought in the big bad American to lose. However once you become an established fighter in Japan you are treated like an icon. Treatment you would only receive if you were famous in the U.S. The difference is unfathomable. Try going from a rock star image and royal treatment to minor league accommodations and a lot tougher competition. Could this shake up an athlete and his ability to perform? Absolutely and it has almost every time.

What about the hunger factor? Could it be that the numerous belt holders, who were upset this year; had lost their hunger?

Maybe. That’s not for me to speculate on. Only their warrior within knows that answer.

Personally I'd like to think the latter, good old Fate! Nothing can stir things up as well as fate. A date with destiny can never be stood up or given a rain check. When the stars align for your time to fall or shine, and the electricity fills the air; nothing can stop it. It will be the most powerful time for the winner. But it’s the hardest, loneliest and weakest time for the loser.

Still though one could assume that more than odds and beliefs in abilities, match making dictates the flow of the sport. So are they that good or that bad? Since most of the big fights this year were the underdogs' platforms, was it a way to knock down the big names? Taking value away from their drawing power and salary demands, so younger, cheaper, more manageable fighters could take the helm. Or was it really supposed to go the other way? Spiraling the match makers into a string of calamitous bookings that landed the world of MMA upside down and making '07 the year of the upsets?

Well, I leave it for you to decide with two months of action left in the most controversial year in MMA history.

By Justin McCully, The N-sane-1

The Pav Says...

The Pav says… 2006 is behind us so I thought it would be appropriate to give out MMAagents awards for accomplishments throughout the year. So without further ado and fanfare, here they are…

Ring Entrance of the Year

The line starts and ends with Mayhem Miller. His ring entrances are often better than the rest of the card. Who needs a warmup when you get a five-minute dance into the ring?

Honorable mention to Razor for always having a matching and organized corner; Steve Byrnes, because, after all, who can’t help but cheer for a Marine that comes out in fatigues and the American flag; and Matt Wiman, for the arrogance he brought into the ring against Spencer Fisher despite long odds.


TKO of the Year

This was a close call, but we have to give it to Wes Sims for his victory in October against Kimo in Hawaii’s X-1. After turning on the blood faucet just seconds into the contest with a right, it appeared the fight was over when the doctor was looking at Kimo in the corner. Wes actually took off his gloves only to realize the fight was still on. After getting taken down and in danger of letting the victory slip away, Wes hit Kimo again in the face, and this time the blood rush was too great and the fight was stopped.

Honorable mention to Razor Rob for opening up a game Ryan Healy, who stood and banged with McCullough to his credit; Ricco Rodriguez for avenging his loss to Ron Waterman and boxing H2O so many times in the face during round one that it was over on the stool; and Ivan Salaverry for his textbook performance and perfectly executed game plan against Art Santore.


Comeback of the Year

Three years is a considerable layoff, even if you are pro wrestling in Japan, working as a stuntman and being Tito Ortiz’s primary training partner. Once back in the ring, Justin McCully did not miss a beat. He disposed of Derek Thornton in a little over two minutes at X-1 and three weeks later beat down Warpath in a little over three minutes at Valor Fighting. Neither fight was ever in doubt. Look for more from the “Insane One” in 2007.

Honorable mention to Chris Lyte for making it to the TUF finals before getting robbed of a decision in “The Comeback” season finale; UFC vet Zack Light for coming back better than ever after a four-year layoff, with an improved physique and conditioning; and Justin Levens for fighting back from a string of tough losses to win two fights in convincing fashion.


Sub of the Year

Mike Pyle’s triangle submission of Shonie Carter for the WEC belt takes the prize. Carter has only been subbed four times in 57 fights and Pyle pulled it off in two minutes of the first round.

Honorable mention to Marin Kampmann’s weathering the storm against Crafton Wallace, beating him on his feet, then taking him down and ending it quickly; Pyle for his 17 second guillotine against John Cole, and Mayhem for a huge sub of Robbie Lawler.


KO of the Year

Quite simply, Razor’s knockout over Olaf Alfonso is one of the best KO’s in MMA history. Olaf is known to have a good chin, but the Razor combo that sent Alfonso’s mouthpiece into orbit and put him to sleep was a thing of beauty.

Honorable mention to undefeated heavyweight Jake O’Brien ending Jay White’s career with a short left hook for a 14-second knockout in the WEC; Niko Vitale for his soccer-kick KO of Tim Williams; and Justin Levens’ big knockout over Justin Hawes.


Prospect of the Year

Heck, he is on the north side of 30, but at 170 look for huge things from Mike Pyle on Showtime. Now that he is back to his natural weight, he will be unstoppable.

Honorable mention to Martin Kampmann, who showed unbelievable potential in 2006 with three big wins; Anthony Torres, who remained undefeated and won his UFC debut, and Steve Byrnes, who made his UFC debut in December.


Fight of the Year

The Karo Parisyan fight with Diego Sanchez was probably the UFC fight of the year and could have gone either way. Karo actually spit his tooth out in the first round, and flipped Diego feet over head a number of times. This was stuff that legends are made of.

Honorable mention to Hector Ramirez for his fight with James Irvin that won UFC fight of the night; Karo’s fight with Drew Fickett, which also won UFC fight of the night; and Martin Kampmann handing Thales Leites his first defeat in 10 fights despite being knocked down in the first round.

Warrior Spirit of the Year

The award goes to Vince Lucero for his willingness to fight any opponent on any notice for virtually any purse, just for the opportunity to compete. Despite being little more than a wrestling coach during a two-year retirement, he stood toe to toe and traded with Eric Pele for three rounds in his comeback fight. He thought it would make for a more entertaining fight. Oh yeah, he took the fight on two weeks notice.

Honorable mention to Alex Stiebling for always answering the call; Zack Light for never saying no to an opponent or weight class; and Ricco Rodriguez for losing 80lbs to get back into fighting shape.


Fighter of the Year

It is hard to pass on Jake O’Brien, who went 6-0 at heavyweight with five finishes, but Razor Rob edges him out with a 4-0 record and three knockouts. Those victories include McCullough avenging his only loss in his last 12 fights with a unanimous decision victory over Harris Sarmiento.

Honorable mention to Jake, who went 2-0 in the UFC during the year; Mayhem for his dominant performances in Hawaii and the WFA; Chris Lytle for making the TUF finals; and Karo Parisyan for an entertaining year, despite fighting injuries throughout.


Best of luck to the boys in 2007, here is hoping that it will be as equally memorable as 2006.

The Cube in the Cage.

These heavyweights are not to be taken lightly.

Buoyed by the mainstream exposure that the UFC has received while being prominently featured on Spike TV for the last two years, the sport of mixed martial arts is in a boom period. Fighters like Chuck Liddell, Tito Ortiz, Randy Couture, Matt Hughes, Georges St. Pierre and Rich Franklin have become household names, while attendance and pay-per-view numbers have skyrocketed. As big as MMA – and the UFC in particular – has become, however, it is clearly the bigger fighters that have been carrying the least weight.

In the UFC, which is arguably considered the premiere MMA organization, there is Tim Sylvia, Andrei Arlovski, Brandon Vera, and then everybody else. Fighters like Paul Buentello, Justin Eilers and, most recently, Jeff Monson – all talented in their own right –have received title shots without defeating a legitimate top contender, while other less-deserving heavyweights have been given opportunities to fight in the UFC without boasting even a single noteworthy victory.

Enter MMAagents, and its stocked roster of heavyweights. In addition to undefeated heavyweight prospect “Irish” Jake O’Brien (who is now 9-0 as a pro, and 2-0 in the UFC after defeating Josh Shockman at UFC 65 a few weeks back), there is Justin “Insane One” McCully, Wes “The Project” Sims, Mark Kerr and Vince Lucero. And there is one other guy on the MMAagents list that you may have heard of – former UFC heavyweight champion Ricco Rodriguez. But if you think this is a case of Ricco and the other guys, you are wrong.

Take McCully, for example. The longtime workout partner of Ortiz (the two are currently training together, along with O’Brien, up in the high altitude of Big Bear, California for Tito’s fight against Liddell on Dec. 30), McCully recently returned from a three-year hiatus away from MMA by winning two fights over a three-week span. One of those was a quick first-round submission victory in October over Warpath, who just this past weekend at Strikeforce took Buentello into the second round before losing to the “Headhunter.”

McCully, who started his fighting career in 1997, has returned in great shape and dominated both of his recent opponents on the feet and on the ground, but yet, the 6-foot-2, 235-pound Team Punishment standout still waits for that call to make his UFC debut. “The Insane One” is due, and he deserves his shot.

Then there’s Sims, who is followed by controversy like Butterbean follows a Big Mac. There was the infamous stomping of Frank Mir, as well as the biting incident with Mike Kyle. Though the cynics are quick to point out Sims’ 0-3 record in the UFC, the fact remains that all of his fights in the octagon were entertaining and competitive. What’s more, Big Wes has gone 9-1-1 in his last 11 fights, including a controversial-as-usual first-round TKO over Kimo at X-1 in October.

Sure, Sims is loonier than Bugs, but his recent record speaks for itself. If Kevin Jordan and Sherman Pendergarst deserve UFC shots, surely Sims has earned another chance.

As for Kerr and Lucero – one, a legend in the sport, the other a proud journeyman brawler who has displayed moments of greatness – their respective path to the big show certainly has some hurdles to overcome. Kerr is a two-time UFC tournament winner (UFC 14 and 15), who then went on to become an even bigger star in Japan with the Pride Fighting Championships. The documentary “The Smashing Machine,” was shown repeatedly on HBO and turned Kerr into a fallen star of sorts, as it made aware his struggle to overcome an addiction to painkillers. But Kerr has returned healthy, despite losing his recent comeback fight against Mike Whitehead in an IFL Superfight. Up next for Kerr is the England-based show Cage Rage, where he looks to win his first fight since 2000. If Kerr can once again become the Kerr of old, there isn’t anyone in the sport he doesn’t match up well against.

Lucero, on the other hand, has never made it to the big time, despite his 17-10 professional record. Those 17 victories include wins over TUF 3 finalist Josh Haynes and Jonathan Ivey, but he’s been most impressive in losses to Eilers and Eric Pele. The decision loss to Pele in October showed that a fight with Lucero is no cakewalk. Just this past weekend Pele knocked out then-undefeated Antonio Silva, giving even more credence to just how tough Lucero is. Looking at the list of IFL heavyweights, there is no question that Lucero would fit in nicely there.

And then there’s that Ricco guy. The former UFC titleholder, Rodriguez (25-6 record) holds wins over Couture, Arlovski, Monson, Buentello and countless others. Most recently, Rodriguez decimated Ron Waterman at the WFA in July, winning by TKO when the referee stopped the fight after the first round. As gifted a fighter as there is in the heavyweight division, Rodriguez is now looking for the opportunity to fight the guy who took his belt in the first place – Tim Sylvia. Having lost over 80 pounds in the last year, Ricco has re-dedicated himself to becoming champion. If anybody deserves a chance, it is Ricco Rodriguez.

So yes, the heavyweight division is the weakest division in the UFC. And yes, the heavyweight division is in dire need of a boost. So look no further, because we have some of the best of the big boys right here. From top to bottom, these heavyweights are not to be taken lightly.