June 28, 2010

Bellator 23 results: Joe Warren and Alexander Shlemenko win tournament championships

Originally posted on MMAMania.com

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (June 24, 2010) - Bellator Fighting Championships concluded its hugely successful second season with two more thrilling upsets on Thursday as middleweight Alexander Shlemenko scored a stunning TKO and featherweight Joe Warren won a hard-fought split decision to emerge as the Season 2 Tournament Champions in their respective divisions.

The sold-out event at Louisville's Fourth Street Live downtown entertainment district tied a ribbon on Bellator Season 2 in fitting fashion as fans were once again treated to a full card of electrifying fights that also included shocking upsets at bantamweight and in a Women's Feature Fight.

But the night undoubtedly belonged to Warren and Shlemenko, whose victories earned them $100,000 in prize money and the chance to fight reigning Bellator World Champions Joe Soto and Hector Lombard, respectively, in world title fights this fall.

Shlemenko, a 26-year-old army combat fighter known for his reliance on spinning back-fists and leg kicks, came out swinging in his typical style from the opening bell. But it was a far-more-conventional right hook to the jaw that eventually finished the heavily favored Bryan "The Beast" Baker roughly mid-way through Round 1.

The devastating punch left Baker (13-2) dazed and slowly crumpled him to the canvas before Shlemenko moved in for the finish with a flurry of punches. Referee Jason Herzog stopped the fight due to unanswered blows at 2:45 into Round 1.

It was just the second time that Baker had suffered a loss as a pro with the other coming at the hands of UFC star Chael Sonnen more than two years ago.

"We had heard that Alexander Shlemenko was one of the best middleweights in Europe and he definitely proved that here tonight," Bellator founder and CEO Bjorn Rebney said afterward. "He beat a very, very talented fighter in Bryan Baker and he's more than earned the right to face our champion Hector Lombard later this year."

Shlemenko, for his part, said the win was also a statement on behalf of all pure strikers in MMA today.

"This victory means that strikers soon will be all over MMA and that Bellator Fighting Championships will be owned by the strikers," he said through his translator.

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June 28, 2010

Bellator 23 Highlight: Alexander Shlemenko vs Bryan Baker Middleweight Tournament Final

Originally posted on www.youtube.com/user/BellatorMMA

Airing live on Fox Sports Network on June 24, 2010, Alexander Shlemenko scored a TKO victory over Bryan Baker to capture the Season 2 Middleweight Tournament Championship in Louisville, KY. Shlemenko's victory solidifies his standing as the #1 Contender and he earned a guaranteed title shot against Bellator Middleweight Champion Hector Lombard in the upcoming Bellator Season 3.

June 28, 2010

Erin Toughill to take next shot at Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos

Originally posted on ProMMANow.com

Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker recently announced that Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos’ next title defense will come against Erin Toughill. The promoter did not announce an event for the fight, but did seem to indicate it would take place later this summer.

Toughill has been supposed to fight for Strikeforce several times in the past. However, the fights have always failed to materialize for a variety of reasons. Now, Coker believes that this fight is imminent.

Santos easily dispatched Jan Finney on Saturday. The victory was her second title defense since winning the title in a fight with the always popular Gina Carano. In January, Santos also defeated Marloes Coenen who will now challenge for the promotion’s 135-pound title. Santos also holds victories over Shayna Baszler, Hitomi Akano and Vanessa Porto.

Toughill holds a 10-2-1 record in MMA and 7-3-1 record in boxing. In MMA, she has not been defeated since a disqualification defeat against Megumi Yabushita in 2004. In 2008, she returned from a two-year-long hiatus to take victories over Jan Finney, Karen Williams and Emily Thompson.

After Toughill’s challenge, Strikeforce is willing to move forward with a 145-pound tournament in order to find more contenders in the division.

June 26, 2010

Strikeforce: Cris Cyborg Mauls Jan Finney

Originally posted on MMAFighting.com

Everyone expected Cris Cyborg to destroy Jan Finney on Saturday night's Strikeforce card. Everyone was right, as Cyborg demolished Finney in a brutal mismatch, winning by second-round TKO.

Finney landed a nice right hand immediately at the start of the fight and clinched with Cyborg against the cage, but then Cyborg went to work, whaling on Finney with punches and a knee to the face. Cyborg was badly beating Finney and appeared close to finishing her on the ground, but Cyborg hit Finney on the back of the head, causing referee Kim Winslow to step in, take a point away from Cyborg, and give Finney time to recover.

As soon as Finney had recovered, Cyborg went back to town, hitting Finney over and over on the ground. Finney was game and tough and managed to survive a round, but it was a round that Cyborg dominated and won 9-8 on my scorecard, after the point deduction.

The second round was more of the same, with Cyborg smashing Finney but Finney refusing to quit. Eventually Cyborg drilled Finney with a knee to the rib cage, knocking Finney to the ground. That's what made Winslow finally stop the fight and hand Cyborg the TKO win.

The fight was every bit as one-sided as expected, and it raised the question of whether Strikeforce is going to be able to match Cyborg up with anyone who can challenge her. As much toughness as Finney displayed, this fight wasn't even competitive.

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June 18, 2010

Bryan Caraway vs. Fredson Paixao targeted for WEC 50 in August

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

A featherweight bout between Bryan Caraway (14-4 MMA, 0-1 WEC) and Fredson Paixao (9-3 MMA, 1-1 WEC) – initially slated for WEC 47 in March but scratched when Caraway suffered a knee injury – is expected to be part of August's WEC 50 event.

A source close to the event told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that verbal agreements are in place and that fight contracts should be finalized shortly.

The fight, which was first reported by MMAWeekly.com, takes place Aug. 18 and is expected to be part of the night's un-aired preliminary card.

WEC 50 takes place at The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, and the main card airs on Versus.

Caraway, a former EliteXC and Strikeforce fighter, signed with the WEC in late 2009 after winning 10 of his previous 11 fights. The lone loss came via decision to Wilson Reis, who became EliteXC's first-ever bantamweight champion in his very next bout.

However, Caraway, who's earned 10 submissions in his 14 career wins, faltered in his WEC debut and suffered a first-round submission loss via armbr to Canadian veteran Mark Hominick.

Healed from his knee injury, he now meets Paixao, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black who scored a submission win over replacement fighter Courtney Buck at WEC 47. It also evened his WEC record to 1-1 following a decision loss to Wagnney Fabiano at WEC 40 and a no-contest with Cole Province at WEC 42. (Province won via split decision, but the loss was overturned when Province tested positive for a banned substance.)

For the latest on WEC 50, stay tuned to the MMA Rumors section of MMAjunkie.com.

(Pictured: Bryan Caraway)

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June 14, 2010

Carlo Prater Steps In For Brandon Wolff In His Fight With Ryan Ford At TFC 11 On July 17

Originally posted on ProMMANews.com

Edmonton, Alberta (Canada) - The Fight Club (TFC), one of the fastest-growing fight promotions in Canada, had secured a main event of TFC World Welterweight Champion Ryan “The Real Deal” Ford defending his belt against the man considered to be the number one 170 lb. fighter in Hawaii, UFC veteran Brandon Wolff. The fight was to take place at TFC’s next event, “TFC 11: DESTINY” on Saturday, July 17th, live at the Shaw Conference Centre in Edmonton, Alberta.

Unfortunately, Wolff sustained injuries in defense of his X-1 welterweight title this past weekend, and had to pull out of his bout with Ford. Stepping in to contest the title will be two-time WEC veteran Carlo Prater.

Tickets are available through http://www.thefightclub.ca/, or (780) 991-5670.

“DESTINY” will be shown on pay-per-view across Canada on Shaw, Shaw Direct, Bell TV, and Viewers Choice, offering virtually all Canadians the opportunity to purchase and watch the show live. The event will also be broadcasted at many commercial establishments, bars, pubs, lounges, and casinos across Canada. In addition, through a distribution agreement with Ringside Boxing & MMA, the event will be televised to a potential worldwide audience of over 150 million viewers (on a delayed basis). News on a press conference will be announced soon.

Ryan “The Real Deal” Ford (12-2) is viewed by many to be the next great Canadian welterweight after UFC 170-pound kingpin Georges St-Pierre. A native of Edmonton, “The Real Deal” won the TFC welterweight title on December 5th of last year when he knocked out California native John Walsh (10-5) in just thirteen seconds at “TFC 9: TOTAL CHOAS.” Ford holds victories over UFC vets Pete Spratt, CJ Fernandes, and Tommy Speer, who he defeated via first round submission at the most recent TFC event, “TFC 10: HIGH OCTANE” on March 19th. Ford is currently riding a four-fight win streak. In regards to the change in opponent, Ford is unfazed. “It doesn’t change my approach to the fight. I’m ready for anyone. I’m a fighter, and that’s what I do. Carlo is a good fighter, he’s a tough guy, so I think it’s going to be a test for me, and hopefully I come out on top.” And that’s exactly what he plans to do. “You never know. I can say something, but as soon as that bell rings, it all changes. I’m looking to win, and that’s my prediction.”

Carlo Prater (24-7-1) is a well-respected veteran who has faced and defeated many top MMA fighters in the sport today. A native of Sao Paulo, Brazil, Prater is a very dangerous combatant who has a lot of tools to finish any opponent. In 2008 he challenged WEC Welterweight Champion Carlos Condit for the belt. The result was a loss, but afterwards, Prater dropped to the 155-pound class and won the Palace Fighting Championships lightweight belt. Now, he’ll step back into the familiar territory of the welterweight ranks and face Ryan Ford for the TFC 170-lb. strap. During his eight-year career, Prater has faced well-known competitors such as Drew Fickett, Derrick Noble, Condit, Brock Larson, and Antonio McKee, and holds victories over Melvin Guillard, Spencer “The King” Fisher, Condit (they have defeated each other once), and Pat Healy.

(Pictured: Carlo Prater)

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June 10, 2010

Tachi Palace Fights: McCullough vs. DeJesus on July 9

Originally posted on www.tachipalace.com

‘Razor’ Rob Seeking another Highlight Reel Finish

Lemoore, Calif. – The last few times “Razor” Rob McCullough saw action at the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino in Lemoore, Calif. he was walking away from the cage as one of the world’s top lightweights.

The Huntington Beach mixed martial artist’s brutal destruction of Randy Hauer at World Extreme Cagefighting 20 was his final bout at the Palace, but it was the world-class kickboxer’s vicious knockout of Olaf Alfonso that the fans still remember.

“It’s going to be a lot like the last time that I was out at the Palace,” said McCullough, who has won two of his last five fights in the WEC to some of the top up-and-coming fighters.

“We will get in the cage and trade. Have a fast-paced, exciting fight and I’m going to walk out with my hands high and he will be on a stretcher.”

McCullough (17-6) will make his Tachi Palace Fights debut in a 160-pound, catch-weight fight against Fresno, Calif.’s Isaac DeJesus, who grew up idolizing McCullough.

“That’s the guy I looked up to when I was coming up. A lot of guys have their heroes and their idols and Rob was that guy for me,” said DeJesus, who is the current Tachi Palace Fights World Featherweight champ.

“That’s why when I heard Tachi had signed Rob; I called Jeremy (Luchau) right away and asked for the fight. I mainly wanted to fight him out of respect and I thought it would be an honor. I didn’t care about having to come up in weight… this is just something that I wanted to do.”

DeJesus (9-1) would have to come up 15 pounds to meet McCullough, who had originally signed on to fight Thomas Denny. But when Denny pulled out due to personal reasons, DeJesus got the call.

“I probably would have never called Isaac to fight Razor had he not called me initially and asked to fight him. It’s not like having your 145-pound champ go up and fight a former lightweight champ in one of the world’s top promotions is the greatest idea,” said Tachi Palace Entertainment Coordinator Jeremy Luchau.

“But honestly, I could tell how much Isaac really wanted that fight so I gave him the opportunity and he jumped on it right away. I think it could possibly be one of the biggest fights that we’ve had at Tachi in a long, long time and that’s saying something.”

McCullough and DeJesus will main event a loaded 9-bout card that also features UFC veteran Brad Blackburn of Seattle, Wash. against Las Vegas, Nev. welterweight John Alessio. Alessio (28-13) is riding a 4-fight win streak and on the verge of breaking into the UFC. Meanwhile, Blackburn (15-11-1) has dropped two straight in the UFC after a 3-0 start on the world’s biggest stage.

“This is one of the most stacked fight cards that I’ve ever been a part of,” Tachi Palace Fights matchmaker Richard Goodman said. “From top to bottom we have exciting fights that feature former UFC and WEC stars and some of the best locals around.”

Tickets can be purchased at www.tachipalace.com or charge by phone at 1-800-225-2277. Tickets may also be purchased at the Tachi Palace Gift Shop and start at a low price of just $30 for general admission seating.

Most eyes will be centered on the main event and to see McCullough makes his return to action and which fighter shows up. He’s trying to bounce back after a split decision loss in November 2009 to Karen Darabedyan (9-2).

“I’ve been training my butt off. I started this camp 10 weeks out and I’ve been working on sharpening all my skills,” McCullough said. “It’s good to be back fighting at the Palace, I have some great memories fighting for the WEC there and I just love it there.

“I know this kid is scrappy and likes to stand in there and trade. He is coming off a knockout of Nam Phan and Nam’s a tough guy,” McCullough added.

The spotlight won’t solely be on McCullough, though.

“I’m going to have my people there from both Stockton and Fresno to watch me get in there and fight this guy,” DeJesus said. “It’s an honor just to be in there with a fighter like Rob. I’m really not that uncomfortable with the weight, because I started as a 55’er. For me to get in there and fight at my best really won’t be an issue.”

DeJesus is also coming off a minor injury that forced him to pull out a May bout against Fresno, Calif.’s Casey Olson. But DeJesus says the injury has completely healed.

“I’m doing everything the same. I’m working hard on my cardio and technique. The only thing I’m doing a little different is a little heavier lifting and sparring and rolling with a little heavier guys to help me adjust to Rob’s size. Rob will have the experience edge over me, but I’m young and hungry.”

The 9-bout card is also packed with three title fights, as welterweight champ David Mitchell (10-0) of Santa Rosa, Calif. defends his belt against Lemoore, Calif.’s Poppies Martinez (18-6) and bantamweight title holder Cole Escovedo (16-4) of Fresno, Calif. defends against Oakdale, Calif.’s Michael McDonald (9-1). Also, Rancho Cucamonga Calif.’s Gabe Ruediger (16-5) and Albuquerque, N.M.’s Lenny Lovato (8-0) battle for the Tachi Palace Fights vacant lightweight strap.

Also, grappling master Bill Cooper of Santa Barbara, Calif. makes his MMA debut against UFC veteran David Kaplan (2-3) of Las Vegas, Nev. in a lightweight tilt; Olympic Silver Medalist Stephen Abas (1-0) of Fresno, Calif. makes his return to the Palace in a bantamweight bout with Lemoore, Calif.’s Joey DeLaCruz (0-1); Las Vegas, Nev. lightweight David Bollea (2-0), who is the nephew of wrestling superstar Hulk Hogan, takes on Visalia, Calif.’s Cody Gibson (3-0); and Coalinga, Calif. bantamweight Francisco Loredo (4-5) fights Soledad, Calif.’s Drew Bittner (3-0).

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June 09, 2010

BJPENN.COM UFC 115 EXCLUSIVE: MIKE PYLE READY TO PROVE

Originally posted on BJPENN.COM

This Saturday’s UFC 115 hosts eleven excellent match-ups. From top to bottom the Vancouver fans are going to get their money’s worth.

In the opening match of the night Mike Pyle (19-7), a 3 time UFC veteran hopes to get back in the win column against the hard hitting Jesse Lennox (11-2). Both coming off losses, this bout is guaranteed to see a level of aggression from the two fighters that will all but guarantee an exciting contest.

“Camps been great, it went smooth. Nice and smooth and I am ready to fight. I have some bumps and bruises but I’m 100% healthy,” Mike Pyle disclosed to BJPENN.COM.

“Lenox is a tough kid; he puts up a good fight, so I’m looking forward to that challenge. I don’t really know where he poses the toughest challenge for me. We will just have to see, once the leather starts flying. We’ll just see where it goes from there. The main strategy is to go in and punch him in his face until he falls down and if that doesn’t work than I’ll move on to plan B. I’m just gonna go in there and give him hell, you can always have a game plan but as soon as you get hit, shit happens and things change, so I’m going to go with the flow and take the kid out.”

Pyle continued…

“In a perfect world I’d like to go in there and slip his big overhand right and take him down right into a choke, but that’s a perfect world. I’d like to just get in there and really showcase some skills that I haven’t got to in the past in the UFC and just really prove to myself that I belong there and that I’m ready to fight the best that’s in the UFC and that’s about it.”

Pyle is coming out of a great camp, has some of the best training partners in the business and an all-star cast working his corner. While, his Xtreme Couture coaches and teammates cannot go in there and fight the fight for him, Mike, believes that his team support is an advantage going into this bout.

“Kampmann, Tyson and I are a bunch of animals in there right now; we are so ready it’s not even funny. It helps out big time that they are both on the card with me. I got Ron Frazier, Randy Couture and Ray Sefo in my corner for this fight. Its awesome working with Randy, he gives you tons of confidence because he’s been there and done that. He’s a wealth of knowledge and it’s great to have him there.”

Mike leaves us with a message for those watching live in Vancouver and those watching at home.

“All the fans that are going to be there in Vancouver, I know you guys are going to be crazy that night. It’s going to be awesome. I’m proud to be out here representing the UFC in the first fight of the night and you can expect a great performance.”
 

- By Pedro Carrasco of BJPENN.COM.

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June 04, 2010

Five preliminary card bouts officially added to UFC 117; Wallace vs. Nedkov new addition to the card

Originally posted on MMATorch.com

(Pictured: Dennis Hallman and Ben Saunders)

After yesterday's official announcement of the UFC 117 event coming to the Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif. on August 7, the UFC has officially revealed five fights for the night's preliminary card.

Of the five fights announced, only one had not been previously reported. That would be a light heavyweight bout between Rodney Wallace and UFC newcomer Stanislav Nedkov.

In addition to that new fight, four previously rumored fights were confirmed. Tim Boetsch vs. Thiago Silva, Dustin Hazelett vs. Rick Story, Dennis Hallman vs. Ben Saunders and Charlie Brenneman vs. Johny Hendricks are all now set to take place.

Wallace is looking at a "win or go home" fight after two straight decision losses in the Octagon. His last fight earned him a "Fight of the Night" bonus, likely allowing him one more opportunity in the Octagon.

Nedkov is an 11-0 Bulgarian fighter who holds victories over Kevin Randleman and Travis Wiuff. He holds five knockout victories and has only reached the judges scorecards twice in hi career.

Penick's Analysis: This is just a great card from top to bottom, and the only fights that have yet to be made official are the Fitch vs. Alves II bout and the heavyweight fight between Roy Nelson and Junior Dos Santos. These prelim fights are really good as well, and will make for a very enjoyable debut for the organization in Oakland. The fans are in for a hell of a fight card, and hopefully the UFC runs prelims for this event on Spike as well.

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June 03, 2010

Wolff returning to X-1 in world title defense

Originally posted on HonoluluAdvertiser.com

Brandon Wolff

After learning some tough UFC lessons, Kailua's Brandon Wolff is now ready to defend his X-1 welterweight world championship.

Wolff will defend his title against Dylan Clay in the main event of the X-1 World Events "Nations Collide" mixed martial arts card tomorrow at the Blaisdell Center Arena.

Wolff won the X-1 title in May 2008, but tomorrow will be his first defense. He had a good reason not to defend it until now.

Wolff briefly left the X-1 organization to fight in the prestigious UFC organization. But he went 0-2 on UFC cards, and was released.

"The main thing I learned from those losses is not to get caught up in the hype," said Wolff, 34. "I thought I made it, had it figured out. But I lost focus and it showed."

Now, Wolff is returning to the X-1 organization that got him recognized by the UFC in the first place.

"Fighting for X-1 is what got me to the UFC, so I'll always come back and fight for them," he said.

Wolff has a professional record of 7-4. He won the X-1 title in 2008 when he earned a five-round decision over Nebraska's Chad Reiner.

In addition to being a skilled all-around fighter, Wolff also has an interesting background. He is a former Navy SEAL, and now works full-time for Linxx Security, where he teaches military tactics and combat techniques.

Because of job commitments, Wolff said he trains before and after his work day.

"It's tough, but I'm used to it," he said. "MMA is more of a part-time thing for me, so I do what I have to do to make it work."

Despite his recent run of tough opponents, Wolff describes Clay as his "toughest fight to date."

Clay is 7-2. He lived on Maui for nine years, but recently moved to Durango, Colo.

Tomorrow's bout is scheduled for five 5-minute rounds, and Clay said the altitude training in Colorado has increased his stamina.

"It's 6,500 feet (above sea level), so it's definitely an advantage," he said. "You can tell the difference. I feel like I can run forever here."

While he was based on Maui, Clay trained in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and muay-thai boxing, and went 7-0 against other Hawai'i fighters.

"I'm just thankful to be fighting back in Hawai'i again," Clay said. "Hawai'i is where I got my start, so I'm honored to be invited to fight for a title here."

Tomorrow's card will also feature the first round of an eight-man tournament in the light heavyweight division.

Hawai'i fighters in the tournament are Po'ai Suganuma and Adam Akau. Fighters from Arizona, California, Russia, Japan and South Korea are also scheduled to fight in the tournament.

In a featured heavyweight bout, Japan's Satoshi Ishii will face Miles Tynanes of 'Ewa Beach. Ishii won a gold medal in judo at the 2008 Olympics.

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