April 30, 2010

Schambari vs. Baker II and Shlemenko vs. Hess in middleweight semis at Bellator 20

Originally posted on MMAJunkie.com

Following Thursday's Bellator 16 event in Missouri, the semifinal round of Bellator Fighting Championships' middleweight tournament is now set.

Taking place at Bellator 20 are Eric Schambari vs. Bryan Baker (in a long-awaited rematch) and Alexander Shlemenko vs. Jared Hess, CEO Bjorn Rebney announced after the show.

The event takes place May 27, though a location and venue have not been announced.

All four fighters punched their tickets to the semis by emerging victorious at Bellator 16, which – as with all Bellator shows – aired live on FOX Sports Net with highlights packages this Saturday on NBC, Telemundo and mun2.

Schambari (12-1 MMA, 1-0 BFC) picked up his fifth straight win and defeated a former cast member of "The Ultimate Fighter 7." After a mid-round takedown of Luke Zachrich, Schambari took top position and secured a side choke to force the submission at 3:34 of the first round.

He next meets Baker (12-1 MMA, 2-0 BFC), who picked up his sixth straight win with a first-round TKO of Sean Loeffler.

Schambari and Baker actually fight for the second time. Back in 2007 at WEC 31, Baker earned a close-split decision win. It remains the only loss on Schambari's professional record.

Hess (11-1-1 MMA, 3-1 BFC), meanwhile, advanced with a first-round submission win (via guillotine choke) over former IFL middleweight champion Ryan McGivern. He has now won back-to-back contests since suffering the lone loss of his career, a fourth-round TKO to now-champ Hector Lombard in Bellator's season-one tournament finale and title fight.

Shlemenko (28-4 MMA, 1-0 BFC) returned to the U.S. and proved why he's a tournament favorite. The Russian was the only tournament competitor to go to a decision at Bellator 16, but he dominated Matt Major for a 30-27 unanimous-decision win. He's now 13-1 in his past 14 fights.

For more on Bellator 20, check out the MMA Rumors section of MMAjunkie.com.

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April 28, 2010

GSP one of four Canadians in new version of UFC video game

Originally posted on www.tsn.ca

April 28, 2010

Bellator XVI Preview

Originally posted on watchkalibrun.com

Bellator XVI, otherwise known as the first round of the Middleweight tournament, happens tomorrow night in Kansas City, MO.  All other divisions have completed their first round and the middleweight division has yet to begin.  So, in order to play catch up (always a bad night when in reference to drinking) Bellator is having all four first round match ups on the same night.  The first three shows this season have been very enjoyable and provided us with excellent fights.  If possible (some FSN issues) I would recommend watching tomorrow night.

Bellator's middleweight tournament probably lacks the marquee prospect that the other divisions had, but there is definitely some talent amongst them.  Below WKR previews tomorrow fights and lets you know what to expect, but we will probably be wrong.

SBN coverage of Bellator XVI

Bryan Baker (-700) vs. Sean Loeffler (+475): Um, check out the odds.  Baker is a former WEC fighter who has notable wins over Jesse Forbes, Matt Horwich, Rory Singer, and fellow Middleweight competitor Eric Schambari.  Also, his lone loss is to the third ranked middleweight in the world; Chael Sonnen.  Baker has won most of his fights through TKO or decision (9 of 11) as Baker uses his wrestling and judo to gain top position and ground out opponents.  However, his quick hands provide decent striking from his feet. 

Loeffler is a veteran of the sport who has finished his opponent in 17 of his 18 victories.  Despite Baker being a huge favorite I would not completely sleep on Loeffler here.  His experience and acumen on the mat could provide us with a shocking upset.  Baker refused to engage Rory Singer on the mat at the start of their fight, but did eventually engage and almost got submitted (he did finish Singer on the mat though).

Ryan McGivern (+245) vs. Jared Hess (-305): A win for McGivern here would be a big statement as Hess made the finals last year before eventually losing to Hector Lombard.  In addition, the fight was called for a cut and was not a true stoppage.  I actually think Hess should be a larger favorite here.  A strong wrestling pedigree, he has finished every fight, and his only loss is the cut stoppage to Hector Lombard in last year's title fight. 

The reason the line is relatively close is because McGivern is no cake walk.  Ryan is a Miletich trained fighter and former IFL competitor.  Despite a 13-6 record he has faced tough competition and brings solid experience.  Most important, match up related, is McGivern's own wrestling pedigree which could nullify Hess's main strong suit.  If Hess cannot obtain top position there is the potential for a minor upset.  However, I doubt it.

Alexander Shlemenko (-260) vs. Matt Major (+205): Alexander may be a late addition, but do not expect an early exit.  Easily the most experienced fighter, Alexander has over 30 professional fights and sports a 27-4 record.  Of those 27 victories, 17 are coming way of KO/TKO.  Expect him to attempt to keep the fight standing and try and turn this into a kickboxing match.

Despite only seven professional fights (6-1), Major has wins over EliteXC veteran Jamie Fletcher and UFC veteran Shonie Carter.  He also trains out of the famous American Kickboxing Academy.  However, Major is not forming a reputation for finishing fights and the longer the fight goes, the more opportunities for a finisher such as Shlemenko.  Major's best bet is to take the fight to the mat and attempt to grind out a decision.

Eric Schambari (-400) vs. Luke Zachrich (+300): Former WEC fighter takes on former TUF participant, oh Zuffa alumni.  Schambari went 2-1 in the WEC and his only loss is to fellow Bellator competitor Bryan Baker.  However, that was followed up by a severe injury and allergic reaction, but following recovery Schambari returned to MMA and has off four straight victories.

Zachrich lacks the big name promotion experience, but did participate on TUF (eventually losing to Dan Cramer) and has trained with the likes of Dan Severn.  Luke and Eric are both primarily submission fighters which probably means we will be privy to sloppy slugfest.  Many times when two grapplers fight, their ground work is nullified and the better striker will take the fight.  Schambari's experience against top competition is probably the key in this fight and why he is the comfortable favorite.

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April 28, 2010

UFC 113's Matt Mitrione says forget what you think you know about him, ''Kimbo Slice''

Originally posted on MMAJunkie.com

Matt Mitrione (1-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) knows a thing or two about being pigeonholed, and he's not about to do that to UFC 113 opponent and fellow "The Ultimate Fighter 10" veteran Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson (4-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC).

Mitrione, a former linebacker and defensive tackle in the NFL, got a reputation on the Spike TV series as a difficult-to-work-with brooder that rubbed his teammates the wrong way. Ferguson already had a reputation as an MMA greenie made famous by the good fortune of YouTube.

Six months after the program aired, both continue to grow as mixed martial artists and carve out identities in the UFC. Mitrione says he's not bothered by his image. All he's focused on is beating Slice, and do to that, he's trying to forget all that he thinks he knows about the bearded fighter.

It's a sport full of people with hot air, Mitrione says, and nothing is worse than taking a competitor at face value.

"People base all kinds of things on assumptions," Mitrione recently told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com). "I don't know what Kimbo's going to come in there (with); I don't know what kind of fighter he's going to be. I know last time he came in, he displayed a little bit of a ground game and a lot of patience and maturity."

Ferguson, a former street brawler and high school football player, rebounded from a preliminary loss to Roy Nelson on the show to display a more well-rounded game in his most recent performance against Houston Alexander at The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale.

However, the fight was a dud action-wise – Mitrione believes Alexander psyched himself out a month prior to the fight – and questions linger about the breadth of Slice's skills, especially when compared with current UFC heavyweights.

Try as he might not to expect what's going to happen, Mitrione wants to stand and slug with Kimbo, where most observers believe he's most dangerous.

"I've never seen Kimbo bleed, so I think if you can get in his face and intimidate him, make him bleed, make him taste his own blood ... and see how he reacts to it, I think that would be pretty key," Mitrione said.

When the cage door actually shuts, though, Mitrione said he's prepared for whatever the presumably improved Kimbo brings.

"Kimbo has a great camp right now," Mitrione said. "I'm sure he's learning every trick of the trade that he can possibly absorb. I'm sure that he'll come in with some new tricks on how to fight a lefty.

"Knowing how fast he learns – at least from hearing it firsthand from everybody that was his teammate (on the show) – then I have no idea what to expect."

There's one thing he's pretty sure he won't see in the fight.

"I would be surprised if he comes in with flying arm triangles," Mitrione said. "I'd be shocked about that."   

Mitrione, a resident of Indianapolis, said he got along with Ferguson inside the "TUF 10" house. He wanted to fight the star – as most of the cast wanted to – but didn't share some cast members' ire about his presence. Mitrione said he'd happily call Kimbo up for a barbeque if he was in town.

All that will disappear on May 8.

Many fans have questioned whether the 36-year-old Ferguson has the time or willingness to develop into a legitimate mixed martial artist. Mitrione isn't sure about that, either.

"I'll tell you on May 9," he said.

But he concedes a win over the superstar could be big for his career. He's on the promos for next Saturday's pay-per-view event but not through anything he's done. A Kimbo KO could bring him some respect as an NFL athlete turned MMA fighter, and perhaps, a new reputation.

He could break into a new role.

"I can't wait to come in and let them fly, whether it's punches, kicks, knees, elbows – hell, I might even bring a frying pan in there," Mitrione said.

For the latest on UFC 113, check out the UFC Rumors section of MMAjunkie.com.

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April 28, 2010

Jay Silva returns to face Tim Williams at Matrix Fights II on June 11 in Philadelphia

Originally posted on aroundtheoctagon.com

Jay Silva

Matrix Fights (www.MatrixFights.com) formally announced Monday that its second ever event is now scheduled for the legendary “The Arena” in Philadelphia, PA on Friday, June 11.

Coming off a sellout crowd in its debut event this past February, the promotion will look to continue to build on its reputation as one of the fastest growing promotions in the United States by featuring the East Coast return of UFC veteran Jay Silva as he takes on blue chip prospect Tim Williams in a middleweight contest.

Silva now resides in Huntington Beach, California but began his amateur mixed martial arts career in New Jersey. A bouncer at several popular New York City nightclubs, Silva accumulated a large fanbase and emerged as an underground legend.

The Brazilian-born fighter transitioned from being an underground legend to a mainstream figure after building a respectable 5-1 record as a pro and landing a multi-fight contract with the UFC in 2009. Despite having gone 0-2 during his brief stint with the UFC, Silva made a name for himself by going the distance with middleweight standouts Chris Leben and C.B. Dollaway.

“Silva’s evolution from an East Coast-based amateur to a UFC-caliber middleweight has been nothing short of remarkable,” said Matrix Fights President Jimmy Binns Jr. “Jay was already a beloved figure on the New Jersey MMA scene before going to the UFC. But he’s more popular than ever since making it to the big show. We’re happy that we’re going to give fans in the Tri-State area their first chance to see Jay since making it to the UFC.”

Silva, who is drawing interest from several major promotions, could be just one big win away from returning to the big show. Standing in his way is one of the fastest rising middleweight prospects in all of MMA, Tim Williams.

Despite elite-level jiu-jitsu credentials, Williams’ emergence as one of the top unsigned prospects in MMA had been considered improbable. Several years ago the Maryland native nearly lost his life in an auto accident that has left permanent scarring to portions of his face. Then, just last year, Williams was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm and his promising career was thought to be at a premature end.

Through all of his life-threatening battles, Williams has persevered and has achieved excellence in the cage; first as an amateur compiling a perfect 6-0 record and now as a pro, having gone 3-0 with three first round submissions.

Click here to read the entire article.

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April 28, 2010

Charles Oliveira vs. Darren Elkins Added To TUF 11 Finale

Originally posted on Heavy.com

April 27, 2010

UFC signs Czech heavyweight Karlos Vemola to face Jon Madsen at UFC 116

Originally posted on MMAJunkie.com

The Ultimate Fighting Championship has signed U.K.-based heavyweight and Czech Republic native Karlos Vemola (7-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) to a multi-fight deal. Vemola will face H.I.T. Squad disciple Jon Madsen (5-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) at UFC 116 in his octagon debut.

The news was first reported today by Fighters Only and subsequently confirmed to MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) by sources close to the event, who said that both parties have verbally agreed to the bout and are expected to put pen to paper shortly.

UFC 116 is expected to take place July 3 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. A heavyweight title unification match between current champion Brock Lesnar and interim champion Shane Carwin is expected to headline.

Vemola, nicknamed "The Terminator," fights out of London Shootfighters alongside UFC vets John Hathaway and Mostapha Al Turk. A veteran of the U.K.-based Cage Fighters Championship, all seven of his career victories have come by way of first-round stoppage, with four wins earned by rear-naked choke.

According to the Fighters Only report, the heavyweight shares a long-running beef with current UFC heavyweight James McSweeney, who accused him of using performance enhancing drugs.

Madsen, meanwhile, is fresh off a unanimous decision win over Al Turk in his most recent performance at UFC 112. A veteran of "The Ultimate Fighter 10," he was eliminated by finalist Brendan Schaub in the show's quarterfinals, though he rebounded from the setback with a win over fellow cast mate Justin Wren in the show's finale this past December.

Vemola vs. Madsen is expected for the non-televised portion of UFC 116.

For the latest on UFC 116, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of MMAjunkie.com.

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April 23, 2010

Bellator 15 recap: Carl, Hornbuckle, Thomas and Freire advance to semifinals

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

In the promotion's first season-two visit to Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., Bellator Fighting Championships on Thursday night once again provided a handful of exciting contests and impressive performances.

And while three fighters booked their trips to tournament semifinals on the back of one-sided wins, welterweight Steve Carl took a more controversial approach.

Carl edged out fellow welterweight Brett Cooper via hotly contested decision in the final Fox Sports Net-televised bout of Bellator 15.

The action remained tight throughout the 15-minute affair, and a scrambling grappling fest in the opening round gave way to an impressive striking exchange in the second.

The bout appeared up for grabs in the final frame, and a few successful takedowns in the frame for Cooper coupled with some solid work from top position appeared to secure him the frame. But after the back-and-forth nature of the first two frames, anything was possible.

In the end, two of the three judges scored the fight for Carl, and though the vocal objections of the crowd seemed to suggest they disagreed, Cooper was force to accept a split-decision loss.

The unheralded Carl (10-1 MMA, 1-0 BFC) has now won eight-straight fights, while Cooper (11-6 MMA, 0-1 BFC) begrudgingly falls to 1-2 in his past three contests.

*****

Click here to read the entire article.

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April 21, 2010

BELLATOR NEWS: Despite pre-emptions, Bellator season two debut live airing and replay draw top ratin

Originally posted on MMATorch.com

Bellator Fighting Championship's season two debut event on Fox Sports Net marked the highest rated nationally televised event on the network for both the live airing Thursday and the replay on Sunday, according to Bellator officials today.

The event featured Roger Huerta's debut in the organization with his third round victory over Chad Hinton, and also featured Joe Warren's victorious U.S. debut in the featherweight tournament.

According to today's release, in comparison to the same time slots in 2009, the live airing of the broadcast represented a 60% increase in viewership overall and the replay was a 57% increase overall.

In addition, the broadcast brought in a significant increase in many key demographics. The M18-34 audience increased 143 percent, M18-49 increased 153 percent and M25-54 increased 180 percent.

These numbers are all despite many regional FSN networks pre-empting the broadcast for local sports teams in either baseball, basketball or hockey.

Bellator founder and CEO Bjorn Rebney said in today's release, "In our first week on FOX Sports Net, we were able to drive a substantial increase in viewership to the network nationally. We are confident that working with FSN, together we can significantly build upon this strong foundation.

"My focus from day No. 1 has been to produce and promote compelling, competitive tournament-based MMA programming designed to appeal to MMA fans just like me. My belief is that our tournament format, combined with great fights, world-class fighters and strong attention to production quality will continue to increase viewer support for our events on Fox Sports Net."

Penick's Analysis: These are all great results for Bellator to see, as even though pre-emptions hurt them in many areas, they're bringing in good numbers for FSN. The increase in the male demos for FSN is more than worth having the events on there, as they are all key demos for advertisers. It will be interesting to see how the numbers hold up on a week by week basis.

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April 21, 2010

Chris Lytle vs. Matt Brown in Works for UFC 116

Originally posted on MMAFighting.com

UFC 116 is likely to be the MMA event of the year for the titanic heavyweight championship main event alone, but the developing card looks quite intriguing as well.

The undercard will get a strong boost from a matchup pitting two of the UFC's most exciting welterweights, as a source close to the event tells MMA Fighting that a Chris Lytle vs. Matt Brown pairing is likely for the event.

The fight is a rematch of an August 2007 bout in the short-lived United Fight League. At the time, Lytle was under UFC contract but the Indiana native was given permission to fight for the local promotion. Lytle won by second-round submission.

The 35-year-old Lytle has consistently been one of the most entertaining performers in MMA, winning nightly awards in six of his last seven UFC bouts, including "Submission of the Night" for his most recent victory at UFC 110, a kneebar that he used to finish Brian Foster.

Lytle is 28-17-5 in his career and is 3-1 in his last four.

Brown has also won three of his last four, but is coming off a rear naked choke loss to Ricardo Almeida at last month's UFC 111.

UFC 116 is headlined by the epic heavyvweight title match between champion Brock Lesnar and undefeated challenger Shane Carwin.

Other rumored bouts include Wanderlei Silva vs. Yoshihiro Akiyama, Kurt Pellegrino vs. George Sotiropoulos, and Stephan Bonnar vs. Krzysztof Soszynski in a rematch of their controversial UFC 110 bout, though several more matches will be added to the card in the coming weeks.

The event takes place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

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