Category Archive:
Posted by Brett Clendaniel on March 23, 2011 at 5:13 pm
Image via Wikipedia
A lot of mixed martial arts fans think Brock Lesnar is overrated: He lost his first UFC fight in 90 seconds, got fast-tracked to a title shot because of his pro wrestling fame, beat a man he outweighed by 50 pounds to win the title, then crumpled when someone finally hit him in the face and lost his title to Cain Velasquez.
UFC President Dana White has heard those comments. But he says that viewpoint is actually an example of Lesnar being underrated. In fact, White calls Lesnar the most underrated fighter in the UFC.
In a live chat with the Seattle Times to promote Saturday night’s Fight Night in Seattle, White was asked to name the most underrated fighter, and Lesnar was the man he picked.
“I don’t think people give him enough credit for how good he really is and what he has accomplished,” White said.
To continue reading this story, click here to continue to MMAFighting.com.
FOLLOW US on FACEBOOK using key word "WrestleChat" and on TWITTER at Twitter.com/WrestleChatNet
Also, follow me personally on twitter at Twitter.com/Brettley916!
Continue Reading
Posted by Brett Clendaniel on March 23, 2011 at 5:09 pm
Image via Wikipedia Dana White has just announced that Shane Carwin will face Jon Olav Einemo at UFC 131.
According to MMAJunkie.com, Einemo, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, is a 35-year-old Norwegian who won the 2003 ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship. He’s fought in Shooto and PRIDE and owns six first-round stoppage victories (five via submission) in six career victories. His only loss came via decision to Fabricio Werdum at PRIDE 31.
Einemo hasn’t fought professionally in four-and-a-half years.
Carwin hasn’t fought since UFC 116 in July 2010, when he suffered a second-round submission loss to then-champ Brock Lesnar. Carwin dominated the first round of the fight but admittedly slowed in the second, which gave Lesnar the opening he needed for the comeback win.
The original plan was for Shane Carwin to fight the Jon Madsen-Mike Russow winner until UFC decided upon Einemo. According to Carwin’s blog, Carwin was expecting the winner of the Madsen/Russow – not Einemo.
FOLLOW US on FACEBOOK using key word "WrestleChat" and on TWITTER at Twitter.com/WrestleChatNet
Also, follow me personally on twitter at Twitter.com/Brettley916!
Continue Reading
Posted by Brett Clendaniel on March 23, 2011 at 1:43 pm
Image via Wikipedia
Former UFC Heavyweight Champion and WWE Champion Brock Lesnar is scheduled to appear on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon next Monday.
He will be promoting The Ultimate Fighter: Team Lesnar vs. Team dos Santos, which debuts the following Wednesday on Spike.
FOLLOW US on FACEBOOK using key word "WrestleChat" and on TWITTER at Twitter.com/WrestleChatNet
Also, follow me personally on twitter at Twitter.com/Brettley916!
Continue Reading
Posted by Brett Clendaniel on March 21, 2011 at 7:23 pm
Image via Wikipedia
Credit – MMAJunkie.com
Following the first professional setback of his career, Ryan Bader (12-1 MMA, 5-1 UFC) has gotten his wish on a return opponent.
The winner of “The Ultimate Fighter 8″ now stands between Tito Ortiz (15-8-1 MMA, 14-8-1 UFC) and a possible pink slip.
UFC 132, which is expected to take place July 2 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center, hosts the light-heavyweight fight, and it’s likely to get main-card treatment.
MMAWeekly.com today first reported the matchup. UFC president Dana White has since confirmed the bout with ESPN.
Bader this past month told the sports news giant that Ortiz was at the top of his list following a loss to newly minted light heavyweight champion Jon Jones at UFC 126.
Ortiz, meanwhile, was gunning for a third fight with Forrest Griffin after the two sparred on Twitter. The two split wins at UFC 59 and UFC 106.
But that fight was a fantasy replacement for the one Ortiz was supposed to fulfill. “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” was due to meet Antonio Rogerio Nogueira on Saturday at UFC Fight Night 24 before he suffered a bad cut in training that forced him to withdraw.
White said the March 26 fight was Ortiz’s last stand after a losing streak that extended nearly five years and four fights, with a lone draw to Rashad Evans at UFC 73 being his only ray of light. He most recently lost a unanimous decision to Matt Hamill this past October at UFC 121.
The UFC president said Ortiz’s must-win stakes may extend to the July 2 fight with Bader.
“The last [fight] was a must-win for Tito,” White told ESPN. “Tito lost his last fight and told me, he pleaded to me and Lorenzo (Fertitta), about how nobody has beaten him up, that he can still do this, to give him another chance, and this and that and everything else.
“We’ll see what happens.”
Prior to his setback against Jones, Bader earned the biggest win of his career when he outpointed Nogueira this past September at UFC 119. That followed a knockout win over Keith Jardine at UFC 110.
FOLLOW US on FACEBOOK using key word "WrestleChat" and on TWITTER at Twitter.com/WrestleChatNet
Also, follow me personally on twitter at Twitter.com/Brettley916!
Continue Reading
Posted by Brett Clendaniel on March 21, 2011 at 3:59 pm
Image via Wikipedia
According to UFC boss Dana White, new champ Jon “Bones” Jones will appear on Jay Leno on Thursday night. White tweeted:
Congrats @jonnybones 1st UFC fighter to do the The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. The hits keep on coming!!!! Tune in thur on NBC!
FOLLOW US on FACEBOOK using key word "WrestleChat" and on TWITTER at Twitter.com/WrestleChatNet
Also, follow me personally on twitter at Twitter.com/Brettley916!
Continue Reading
Posted by Brett Clendaniel on March 20, 2011 at 1:13 am
Image via Wikipedia
With Bones virtually unscathed after his UFC 128 battle with Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua and Rashad Evans recovered from his most recent injury, UFC 133 on August 6th from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is the targeted date for this mega-fight according to multiple sources.
The same sources said that it is expected that this could be finalized within the next 2 weeks, as the UFC is anxious to get Evans back into action and Bones has showed a reluctance to take extended time off at the moment.
Both fighters have faced many questions over the last few weeks about whether the training partners at Greg Jackson’s camp would be willing to fight one another.
After the fight, Bones was asked about a pending fight against Evans. With Rashad in the octagon facing off with him, Jones answered that he was the champion and he would face Evans because he had to. Evans agreed and said that he was looking forward to the challenge.
For what it’s worth, the crowd was heavily boo’ing Evans.
The UFC had the tentative UFC 133 plans in motion regardless of tonight’s outcome. Evans was told to be prepared to main event UFC 133 whether it be against Rua or Jones.
Tonight, we got our answer.
It looks like Jon Jones will defend his new Light Heavyweight Title on August 6 in Philadelphia, PA.
FOLLOW US on FACEBOOK using key word "WrestleChat" and on TWITTER at Twitter.com/WrestleChatNet
Also, follow me personally on twitter at Twitter.com/Brettley916!
Continue Reading
Posted by Brett Clendaniel on March 20, 2011 at 12:43 am
Jon “Bones” Jones easily defeated Mauricio “Shogun” Rua en route to becoming the youngest champion in UFC history. Rua was dominated from the beginning, as Bones found a way to use his unorthodox style to overwhelm Rua.
Bones used multiple spinning kicks, punches, and elbows. Rua was taken down with ease. Rua was visibly rocked in the first after Bones caught him with a knee to the head. Bones inexplicably backed off.
Bones eventually ended the fight in round 3 with a knee in a similar position.
After the fight, Bones was asked about a pending fight with number 1 contender, his training partner, Rashad Evans. With Rashad in the octagon facing off with him, Bones answered the question that many MMA fans have been asking for weeks; would Rashad and Bones actually fight if it came down to it? Jones answered that he was the champion and he would face Evans because he had to. Evans agreed, though it was hard to heard him with the crowd overwhelmingly boo’ing him.
With Bones virtually unscathed after this fight and Rashad recovered from his most recent injury, UFC 133 on August 6th from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is the targeted date for this mega-fight according to multiple sources. The same sources said that it ix expected that this could be finalized within the next 2 weeks, as the UFC is anxious to get Evans back into action and Bones has showed a reluctance to take extended time off at the moment.
Below is the round-by-round highlights, courtesy of MMAJunkie.com.
Round 1 – After an awkward hand shake, we’re underway. Jones throws a flying knee, but Rua stuggs it and clinches. They break, and both swing wild and miss. Jones get the sweep takedown and quickly gets the fight to the mat. Rua pulls guard, but Jone stacks him. Rua looks for a triangle, but Jones moves to side control. Rua claims one leg for half guard, and the pace slows. Jones, though, starts to work elbow strikes. Rua tucks under his opponent to avoid punishment. Jones flattens him out, and Rua pulls him back into full guard. Rua tries to kick his way free, but Jones swarms and then tags Rua with a knee and kick on the way up. Hones throws a straight right and then retreats to the center as Rua looks wobbly. Jones throws a nice knee up the middle and another with Rua against the cage. Jones throws a right and then a shin kick. Rua lands a nice combo, Jones whiffs on a punch, and Rua takes his back and tries to roll with a leg. Jones easily avoids it and takes top position. It’s a dominant first round for the challenger, and Jones takes it 10-9.
Round 2 – Jones clinches after ducking under a punch and then tags Rua with a spinning back elbow. Jones throws an inside leg kick and a high kick and then sidesteps his opponent’s advancement. They clinch, and Jones works knees to the body. Rua throws overhand punches on the break but misses wide. Jones lands a straight right and then a body punch. Rua tries to answer but doesn’t have the reach. Jones lands a straight left on Rua’s low-kick attempt. Jones chops away with low kicks. Rua tries one, and Jones checks it, sends him to the mat, and rains down a couple quick punches. Jones work from inside full guard. He drops a nice elbow and follows with a few more. Jones frees a leg and drops more short elbow strikes. Jones closes out the round with a leg-lock attempt. It’s all Jones, 10-9.
Round 3 – Rua comes out swinging Jones goes with a head kick that Rua ducks under. Rua grabs a leg and drops to the mat, but Jones easily escapes and then overpowers him and takes top position. Jones lands in side control. Jones unloads some punches, and the shots are taking a toll. Jones drops a solid right and then a left forearm. A series of elbows have Rua dazed, and he rolls to his knees and covers up. Jones delivers a knee to the body. Rua gets up, but Jones drops him with another knee, and the fight is over. We have a new champ, the youngest in UFC history.
FOLLOW US on FACEBOOK using key word "WrestleChat" and on TWITTER at Twitter.com/WrestleChatNet
Also, follow me personally on twitter at Twitter.com/Brettley916!
Continue Reading
Posted by Brett Clendaniel on March 16, 2011 at 3:46 pm
Image via Wikipedia
Former WWE and TNA wrestler turned MMA fighter Bobby Lashley will step back in the cage next Friday night (3/25) – but his opponent has been changed with just days before the fight.
Kansas City-based heavyweight James Jack (6-2) had been scheduled to fight Lashley in the main event of Titan Fighting Championship 17 but has been pulled from the show and replaced by John Ott (9-7).
According to a press release from Titan Fights, James Jack’s departure from the card comes under “questionable circumstances” after the organization was unable to reach him for several weeks leading up to the fight.
Ott, who normally competes in the 185 and 205 lbs. divisions, is currently walking at 225 lbs.
“John might be a little heavy for the fight but the extra weight he is carrying is all muscle,” said Kelly. “From a pure strength standpoint, he will be able to go in and compete with Bobby. His strong amateur wrestling credentials will also potentially allow him to neutralize Bobby’s takedowns and force the fight to stay on the feet.”
FOLLOW US on FACEBOOK using key word "WrestleChat" and on TWITTER at Twitter.com/WrestleChatNet
Also, follow me personally on twitter at Twitter.com/Brettley916!
Continue Reading
Posted by admin on March 12, 2011 at 1:58 pm
Image via Wikipedia
Mixed Martial Arts as we know it has just taken a major, shocking change.
It was announced today the UFC parent-company Zuffa has purchased their main rival, Strikeforce. Strikeforce officially becomes another name on the list of companies that went from being the competition to the UFC, to be owned by them. PRIDE and World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) are the other names to add to the list.
What was expected to be a rather uneventful weekend in the world of MMA has instantly become one of the most historical days ever in a sport that, by all means, is still growing at an alarming rate. The news was announced by Dana White in an exclusive interview with MMAFighting.com’s Ariel Helwani. While the specifics have not been released on the deal, White simply called it a “good deal” for both sides.
What we do know initially is this; UFC and Strikeforce will continue to operate as separate brands for the foreseeable future. All UFC contracted talent will continue to be obligated to their current UFC deals and the same holds true for all Strikeforce talents. White made it clear that Strikeforce will continue to operate “business as usual.” Strikeforce will remain with Showtime and White stated that it’s a relationship that has been prosperous for both Strikeforce and the sport. White hopes that this relationship can continue getting stronger in the future.
To continue reading, click here to continue to my article on the CamelClutchBlog.
Continue Reading
Posted by Brett Clendaniel on March 7, 2011 at 5:48 pm
Image via Wikipedia
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what JR wrote about:
Batista vs. Ken Shamrock: “Yes I would watch a rumored Batista vs. Ken Shamrock MMA fight that is making the rounds on the ‘net. However, I’d love to see Kenny hang ‘em up and simply train fighters but the name identity that Batista and Shamrock bring to the table would provide more than ample sizzle for any promoter. I’d watch this train wreck I’ll honestly admit. ”
Cyborg Santos To WWE? “Is Cris Cyborg leaving MMA/Strikeforce to migrate to WWE? Beats the hell out of me just as she would if she chose to but it is an interesting internet rumor. Seeing more athletic, hard hitting women compete in WWE is intriguing for me as a fan. Cris Cyborg is arguably the baddest women on the planet but she would need to learn better English and the art form of pro wrestling or she would run out of opposition in WWE just as she has seemingly done in MMA. Cyborg would be huge draw on a WWE event in Brazil, for example, or so I think. ”
Sin Cara’s WWE Debut: “The Mistico name is owned by the wrestling promotion CMLL in Mexico City which is why the athletes formerly known as Mistico is now known as Sin Cara. I expect Sin Cara to debut after WM27 so as to not get lost in the Wrestlemania shuffle so to speak. Right now it’s all about WM27 and not about introducing new people. Makes sense to me.”
FOLLOW US on FACEBOOK using key word "WrestleChat" and on TWITTER at Twitter.com/WrestleChatNet
Also, follow me personally on twitter at Twitter.com/Brettley916!
Continue Reading
Posted by Brett Clendaniel on March 5, 2011 at 8:18 pm
Image via Wikipedia
UFC has announced that Brock Lesnar will face Junior dos Santos on June 11 at UFC 131 in Vancouver, B.C. The two men will be coaches on The Ultimate Fighter reality show that begins airing in March. The Vancouver Sun reports that the previous UFC event held in Vancouver last June drew 17,669 fans and a live gate of $4,221,787.
FOLLOW US on FACEBOOK using key word "WrestleChat" and on TWITTER at Twitter.com/WrestleChatNet
Also, follow me personally on twitter at Twitter.com/Brettley916!
Continue Reading
Posted by Brett Clendaniel on March 5, 2011 at 7:10 pm
Image via Wikipedia
According to Yahoo Sports, WWE officials have denied reports that MMA fighter, Cristiane ‘Cyborg’ Santos is in negotiations with the company.
Additionally, the article points out that Santos has a ‘champion’s clause’ in her Strikeforce contract which means she can’t go elsewhere while she continues to hold a championship. Cyborg is currently the company’s 145lb women’s champion.
Strikeforce’s CEO Scott Coker weighed in on the report, telling Yahoo:
“We’re negotiating Cristiane’s contract,” said Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker. “We hope to finalize something soon.”
Coker, in Columbus, Ohio, for a Saturday-night Showtime event, indicated he first heard about it Thursday night and didn’t know if the Santos story was serious or just an attempt to leverage the current talks.
You can read the full piece here.
FOLLOW US on FACEBOOK using key word "WrestleChat" and on TWITTER at Twitter.com/WrestleChatNet
Also, follow me personally on twitter at Twitter.com/Brettley916!
Continue Reading
Posted by Brett Clendaniel on March 5, 2011 at 6:28 pm
Image via Wikipedia
Jim Ross wrote the following on Twitter in regards to Christiane “Cyborg” Santos coming to WWE:
Cris Cyborg deal looks like her camp wants more $$ from Strikeforce. IMO Cyborg not coming to WWE.
Many seem to also believe this logic; that this is being used as a negotiation tactic by Cyborg’s team.
FOLLOW US on FACEBOOK using key word "WrestleChat" and on TWITTER at Twitter.com/WrestleChatNet
Also, follow me personally on twitter at Twitter.com/Brettley916!
Continue Reading
Posted by Brett Clendaniel on March 4, 2011 at 6:16 am
Image via Wikipedia
Sources close to Strikeforce Women’s Middleweight Champion Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos indicate the Brazilian mixed martial artist is in negotiations with World Wrestling Entertainment.
Two weeks ago, Cristiane attended a WWE live event in California with her husband, Strikeforce fighter Evangelista Santos. She was offered a contract on the spot.
Christiane has not been offered a fight since her June 26, 2010 bout against Jan Finney. Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker declined to comment on the matter, but it is largely assumed the promotion has been unable to find any willing participants over the course of the past nine months.
FOLLOW US on FACEBOOK using key word "WrestleChat" and on TWITTER at Twitter.com/WrestleChatNet
Also, follow me personally on twitter at Twitter.com/Brettley916!
Continue Reading
Posted by Brett Clendaniel on March 2, 2011 at 5:59 pm
Image via Wikipedia
Former WWE superstar Dave Batista has been training for his professional mixed martial arts debut since leaving the company last year. According to MMAWeekly.com, Batista’s MMA debut is currently scheduled to take place in May – and the fight will not take place in the United States.
Several promotions have been trying to sign Batista for his first MMA fight, most notably Scott Coker’s Strikeforce promotion, but sources close to Batista have revealed the UK-based BAMMA promotion is the front runner and could sign Batista soon. BAMMA has an upcoming show (“BAMMA 6″) scheduled for May 21st Wembley Arena.
Batista reportedly has a movie scheduled to begin shooting in September and wants to have his first fight before then.
FOLLOW US on FACEBOOK using key word "WrestleChat" and on TWITTER at Twitter.com/WrestleChatNet
Also, follow me personally on twitter at Twitter.com/Brettley916!
Continue Reading
