Posts Tagged ‘UFC’

Chico Camus vs. Dustin Pague slated for UFC 150

by on July 24, 2012 12:16:31 AM in Features, Fighter Features   |   No Comments »

MMADieHards.com has learned that Chico Camus will meet Dustin Pague at UFC 150 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.

Camus (11-3) is making his UFC debut on a three-fight win streak. He most recently defeated Alptekin Ozkilic at LFC 52 – Tachi Tourney Semifinals.  Camus has four knockouts and three submissions on his career record, but his three latest victories have come via decision.

Pague (11-6) has endured three UFC bouts in his career, losing two and being victorious in one. He recently lost a split-decision to Ken Stone at “UFC on FX: Maynard vs. Guida” on June 22 at the Revel Casino in Atlantic City, N.J. Pague has never won a fight via decision and has eight submissions to his credit.

Rob Broughton vs. Matt Mitrione off UFC on FOX 4

by on July 23, 2012 8:56:23 PM in News   |   No Comments »

http://mmajunkie.com/news/29847/rob-broughton-vs-matt-mitrione-scratched-from-ufc-on-fox-4.mma

In Their Own Words: The Week’s Noteworthy MMA Quotes

by on July 23, 2012 3:48:19 PM in Features, Fighter Features   |   No Comments »

UFC president Dana White.(photo: Hector Castro/MMADieHards.com)

“I think that the under card was awesome. These guys blew it out of the water. I said this the other day and it’s true: This company, we make money. I like breaking records. We broke the gate record here tonight and I’m embarrassed. I was excited when I heard, but now I’m embarrassed. The under card delivered — they were awesome. The main card did not [deliver]. I don’t think the Faber-Barao fight deserved the boos — you’re talking about two of the best guys in the world in a five-round title fight. It was very technical, everyone understands how good Urijah Faber is and Barao dominated him tonight. I think there were a lot of things that went wrong. I felt like I was at UFC 33 again. I think that Cheick Kongo and Shawn Jordan pressed against the fence for three rounds and I think the ref let him do it…. We’re at UFC 149. We can count on one hand how many shows actually sucked. And tonight is one more finger on the hand.”
- Dana White admitted at the UFC 149 post-fight press conference that the event was not one he was impressed with

“It just wasn’t what I thought it was going to be. Whether it was Boetsch or Lombard winning, I was expecting a real war. I thought this thing was going to be a war. You can’t be angry with [Lombard], but it just shows you guys, ranking guys who don’t fight in the UFC, it’s two different worlds. Guys that fight in other organizations that end up in top 10 rankings, it’s a whole other world over here. Lombard maybe should fight at 170. He made 185 easily. He’s short and wide, but I think he could make 170.”
- White addressed Hector Lombard’s UFC debut at the UFC 149 post-fight press conference.

“I’m down to fight anybody, anytime, anywhere. Dan Hardy has a lot of hype behind him and I know if I beat him it will put me on the map, for sure. That’s the only reason why, I have nothing personal against him, he has nothing personal against me. A win over Dan Hardy and I guarantee everybody knows my name afterward. A win over somebody else might not give me the same recognition. I will be completely honest. When I fought in Manchester, England, they were very cruel to me. One fan actually spit directly in my face, and he was lucky enough where it hit my mouth … to be disrespected like that … for some butter-toothed Brit to spit in my mouth, that was some bull. And honestly, it’s never been the same.”
- Matt Riddle told mmafighting.com he wants a bout with “The Outlaw.”

“Yeah, I guess (I did just send a big F you to all the haters out there). It looks more impressive, I think, because I used to be so boring, so, all the better. I visualized it for a long time. I knew this was coming. I don’t know how that sounds but I’ve seen this every day when I close my eyes, so it was not unexpected.”
- Ryan Jimmo told mmafighting.com his KO win over Anthony Perosh was a message to the naysayers.

“I’ve gotten all good responses about it.  The only thing I think people think was bad, it wasn’t really bad, it was one person in a forum or a blog said, ‘No grown man should ever get on his knees.’  Something like that.  Besides that I’ve only seen good feedback off of it.  I have heard nothing from Dana (White).

“There’s nothing bad you can really take from it.  I didn’t tell him, ‘You cheap ass.’  I just can’t think of a way somebody can construe that into something that was bad for me to be throwing out there.”
-  Lorenz Larkin talked Punch Drunk Radio on the MMA DieHards Radio Network about the response he received after requesting fighter bonuses in Strikeforce.  

“I don’t want to fight Cain Velasquez. He’s helped me so much to become a mixed martial artist. When I started, the dude opened himself up to me and showed me so much. He didn’t have to do that for me … As I’ve said time and time again, if Cain is champion, in my heart of hearts, I know I don’t want to fight that guy. Then I will go fight Jon Jones. I will fight Jon Jones if I have to. Imagine that: Me and Jones standing across the cage from one another. That would be crazy because you know I’m putting him on his back.”
- Daniel Cormier told ESPN he’s willing to drop to the light heavyweight division to avoid battling Cain Velasquez.

“I think Chael should keep his word and leave the UFC because that’s what he said he was gonna do if he lost,” Jackson said. “He lost horribly. Bad! Chael sucks. He should go somewhere where people like his interviews, the way he talks [expletive] on everybody. I can’t stand that boy. [Expletive] Chael.”
- Quinton “Rampage” Jackson told Lowkick that Chael Sonnen should exit the UFC after losing to Anderson Silva.

“If stupidity was a disease that was treatable by medicine, ‘Rampage’ would be the first one in line at the pharmacy, every morning. If ‘Rampage’ wants to fight with me, let’s fight! But, the reality is, he’s on a two-fight losing streak, he can’t make weight, nobody cares about him, he doesn’t keep his word, and he’s out of the company in a matter of months. If he wants to fight, I accept.”
- Sonnen joined “MMA Uncensored Live” and admitted he is willing to fight “Rampage.”

“I don’t like being somebody’s teammate and being treated like I’m a groupie. I didn’t even want to go out of my way to say hello to that guy. Get over yourself. All you do is swim. If someone slapped you every time you jumped in the pool, I might have a little respect, but I was a swimmer before I did this stuff, and you can’t tell me that swimming is OH MY GOD, because it’s not.”
- Ronda Rousey gave her opinion on Michael Phelps to yahoo.com.

“F—. F— is my favorite word, period.”
- The UFC president told the edmontonjournal.com his favorite word, as if you didn’t know.

UFC 149 bonuses: Jimmo, Riddle, Caraway, Gagnon win $65,000 post-fight awards

by on July 22, 2012 1:41:03 AM in News   |   No Comments »

http://mmajunkie.com/news/29826/ufc-149-bonuses.mma

UFC 149: Results

by on July 22, 2012 1:11:16 AM in News   |   No Comments »

http://mmadiehards.com

UFC on Fox 4: Ulysses Gomez makes the sub for Ian McCall

by on July 21, 2012 3:36:54 PM in Features, Fighter Features   |   No Comments »

Flyweight fighter Ulysses Gomez gets his hand raised after a victory. (Photo courtesy of sherdog.com)


A major flyweight bout featured on next month’s UFC on Fox 4 card is getting a makeover.

MMADiehards.com has learned from sources close to the event that Ian “Uncle Creepy” McCall has withdrawn from his match with UFC newcomer John Moraga. Ulysses “Useless” Gomez will make his own Octagon debut against Moraga instead.

McCall was scheduled to face Moraga on Aug. 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The popular 11-3-1 flyweight is fresh off a high-profile feud with Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson over a slot in the UFC’s inaugural flyweight title match. The pair met in a controversial draw at UFC on FX 2 in Sydney last March, only to main event last month’s UFC on FX 3 in Sunrise, Fla. for a conclusive victor. Johnson won that battle, besting “Uncle Creepy” in a unanimous decision victory.

MMADiehards’ source could not provide an explanation for McCall’s absence against the 10-1 Moraga. The latest addition to the UFC’s flyweight ranks has won three of his last four fights by submission. Moraga’s last bout, a unanimous decision victory over Maurice Senters, took place at Rage in the Cage 160 in Chandler, Ariz. last month.

Gomez, meanwhile, has gone 9-2 during his fight career. “Useless” has won two of his last three, and the Mexican fighter notched both his wins via submissions. His most recent match, a guillotine choke out of Cody Gibson, took place at Taichi Palace Fights 11 in Lemoore, Calif. last December.

Gomez makes a more even fight for Moraga, who was facing one of the world’s top-five flyweight fighters in McCall. He’ll go at it with Gomez at a card headlined by a light heavyweight brawl between Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and Brandon “The Truth” Vera.

Mark Hensch is an avid MMA fan who became interested in the sport through wrestling and karate. When not covering the hurt business, he serves as a digital editor for the Washington Times’ Times247.com in Washington D.C.

Fresh Faces UFC 149: Hector Lombard, Ryan Jimmo, and Mitch Gagnon

by on July 21, 2012 8:00:08 AM in Features, Fighter Features   |   No Comments »

UFC middleweight fighter, Hector Lombard (Photo courtesy of Sherdog.com)

UFC 149 takes place July 21 and features a championship main event that pegs, Urijah Faber against Renan Barão for the interim bantamweight title.

Also making their way on to the card are long-awaited newcomers ready to continue their success with the UFC.  Learn more about Hector Lombard, Ryan Jimmo and Mitch Gagnon in this edition of Fresh Faces.

 

Name: Hector Lombard

Weight class: Middleweight

Record: 32-1-1

Recent body of work: Defeated Trevor Prangley via TKO at Bellator 58, Nov. 2011.

Who he is: Finally making his way to the UFC, the Cuban, Lombard, has been recognized as the only one left to dethrone the current UFC middleweight champion, Anderson Silva.  Originally slated to make his inaugural appearance at UFC 78, visa issues complicated the process and Lombard was forced back in line.  The last time Lombard tasted defeat was in 2006 when he was handed a unanimous decision loss by Gegard Mousasi at Pride 13.  Since then, Lombard has gone undefeated and claimed the CFC, Bellator, and most recently, the AFC middleweight championship titles.  Lombard is set to make his UFC debut against Tim Boetsch.

 

Name: Ryan Jimmo

Weight class: Light Heavyweight

Record: 16-1

Recent body of work: Defeated Thierry Sokoudjou via unanimous decision at MFC 31, Oct. 2011.

Who he is: One of Canada’s favorite fighters, Jimmo, will be taking his maiden voyage with the UFC on Canadian soil.  Currently on a 16-fight win streak, Jimmo has gone through names; such as, Rick Roufus, Marvin Eastman, and most recently, Thierry Sokoudjou.  Defending his MFC light heavyweight title twice in 2011, the Canadian was initially penciled in to fight at a January card, but now officially walks into the Octagon for the first time to face Anthony Perosh at UFC 149.

 

Name: Mitch Gagnon

Weight class: Bantamweight

Record: 8-1

Recent body of work: Defeated David Harris via guillotine-choke submission at Ringside MMA 12, Oct. 2011.

Who he is:  Originally set to make his first appearance with his new employers at UFC on FOX 2 card in January, Gagnon was forced to withdrawal because of visa issues. With no such concerns ahead at UFC 149, Gagnon is set to carry his six fight win streak in to the Octagon.   Seven of Gagnon’s eight wins have come by way of submission, with the Canadian only having to work past the first round twice.  Set for Gagnon’s Octagon debut, is bout with Bryan Caraway in Calagary, Alberta, Canada.

UFC 149 weigh-in results

by on July 20, 2012 6:36:14 PM in News   |   No Comments »

http://mmadiehards.com

UFC 149: Hector Lombard looks to continue his dominance in the UFC

by on July 19, 2012 2:47:04 PM in Features, Fighter Features   |   No Comments »

Hector Lombard (31-2-1-1) has proven himself to be one of the most explosive middleweights outside of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Lombard (Twitter: @HectorLombard) left Bellator as the promotion’s first and only middleweight champion to date.  His impressive record only has two blemishes, which came in the form of decision losses to Akihiro Gono at Pride Bushido 11 and Gegard Mousasi at Pride Bushido 13.

The Cuban trains out of American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Fla. His martial arts acumen extends far past his abilities in the cage as he is a fourth degree black-belt in Judo and a black-belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.  Lombard has won bronze, silver, and gold medal multiple times while competing in the International Judo Federation tournaments.  Winning a gold medal at his last Judo competition in 2004 might have been foreshadowing his success to come in world of mixed martial arts.

Lombard has been dominant in various organizations, Bellator being the most recognized, but now he is looking to make his UFC debut against Tim Boetsch (15-4) at UFC 149 on July 21 at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta.  Originally, Lombard was to face Brian Stann at UFC on Fox 4 in August, but the former Marine had to pull out of the fight because of a shoulder injury.

The UFC debut of Lombard will be against a tough and talented Boetsch who is looking to prove himself an elite contender, but this might be Boetsch’s most difficult test to date. Lombard is a skilled grappler and possesses knockout power.  An impressive win will likely put Lombard next in line to face the current middleweight and pound-for-pound great Anderson Silva.

The advantage in this fight goes to Lombard if you look at his highlight reels alone. The trope of he has not fought in the UFC might be silenced to a degree based on how dominant Lombard has been in his career. Having only two decision losses in 36 fights is an accomplishment that immediately puts Lombard in the top portion of the UFC’s middleweight division especially with some of his best performances happened while in the largest non-Zuffa promotion, Bellator, where he went 8-0.

Boetsch entered the UFC in 2008 and was released in 2010 after going 2-2 at light heavyweight.  He made his way back and notched a decision win over Todd Brown before falling victim to Phil Davis’ modified one-handed kimura at UFC 123.  Boetsch then made the drop to middleweight defeating Kendall Grove in his debut to kick of a three-fight win streak that claimed Nick Ring and Yushin Okami as victims.

It cannot be denied that recent Boetsch’s run is impressive, and he is one step from becoming a contender.  Still, Lombard just seems to have a leg up on every aspect of the game.  Boetsch makes a pretty large weight cut and has the strength of a 205-pound athlete. Lombard is strong as well, and his Judo abilities might help him use his opponent’s strength as a negative.

So, what is at stake for both of these athletes besides a desired shot at the title? A loss for Lombard could put detractors in a frenzy claiming he was never that great anyway based on the level of competition he faced. A loss for Boetsch would mean a little rebuilding at middleweight, but his job would most likely be secure and he would have a chance to rebound. If Lombard wins, he will probably get a title shot sooner than many would like.  Boetsch on the other hand might not get the title shot right away, but if he does it would be a true Cinderella story.

This fight looks like it is Lombard’s to take.  He has displayed a level of dominance and confidence that may prove overwhelming for most of the division.  Lombard will most likely be looking for a knockout or submission in the first round to let everyone in the 185-pound division know that he has arrived, but Boetsch is probably aware he is the underdog and is prepared to make a statement of his own.  Lombard’s history of dominance will meet Boetsch’s history of perseverance on Saturday in what should be a bout full of fireworks.

Lorenz Larkin found a new place in a familiar spot, and now he’s looking to take it over

by on July 18, 2012 3:11:47 PM in Features, Fighter Features   |   No Comments »

Larkin weighs in (Strikeforce.com photo)

After coming so close to a Strikeforce light heavyweight title match, undefeated Lorenz Larkin knows what he’s looking for in the middleweight division.

Larkin (Twitter: da_MONSOON) defeated Robbie Lawler on Saturday at “Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Kennedy” at the Rose Garden Arena in Portland, Ore.  Lawler is the highest profile fighter Larkin has defeated in his 13-0-1 stint as a mixed martial artist.  The bout also marked Larkin’s debut in the middleweight division after dropping down from the 205-lb. weight class where he spent the first 13 matches of his MMA career.

The contest was Larkin’s fifth consecutive fight under the promotion.  He put together a three-fight win streak in the organization and then met Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal in a 205-pound eliminator match to declare a light heavyweight No. 1 contender.  Larkin lost the bout via TKO, but the loss was overturned following Lawal’s positive test results for the illegal performance enhancing drug Drostanolone.

Larkin returned to the cage in a new division after the fiasco with “King Mo,” but he’s feeling like it’s a familiar place.

“Feels good,” Larkin told Amy Barton, Alex Donno and Lloyd Woodard on Punch Drunk Radio on the MMA DieHards Radio Network.  “I feel like I’m finally breaking that freshman mold.  I’m starting to feel like I’m part of the Strikeforce crew now.  I walk down the aisles and it’s like, ‘Hey, what’s going on?’  I feel like I’m settling in and I’m starting to get used to it and know the whole process.”

Larkin’s comfortableness must have been at an all-time high for him to take a knee and make a grand request from the UFC president after “The Monsoon’s” victory.

As Larkin was doing his post-fight interview being conducted by Mauro Ranallo, he asked the cageside commentator to get down on his knees with him.  Larkin then proceeded to request Dana White reward Strikeforce fighters with event bonuses in the same fashion as UFC combatants do for phenomenal performances.  He even included in his argument that Strikeforce competitors are White’s children too.

The exhibition put on by Larkin sparked lots of commentary in the MMA world.  Larkin has gotten reactions from fans and fellow mixed martial artists, all positive for the most part.  However, one important person hasn’t said a thing.

“I’ve gotten all good responses about it,” Larkin said.  “The only thing I think people think was bad, it wasn’t really bad, it was one person in a forum or a blog said, ‘No grown man should ever get on his knees.’  Something like that.  Besides that I’ve only seen good feedback off of it.  I have heard nothing from Dana (White).

“There’s nothing bad you can really take from it.  I didn’t tell him, ‘You cheap ass.’  I just can’t think of a way somebody can construe that into something that was bad for me to be throwing out there.”

Larkin’s request may fall on deaf ears for the time being, but another wish of his may become a reality in the near future.

Larkin’s success in the light heavyweight division, along with an undefeated career, brought him within one fight of a title shot.  Considering the loss to Lawal was overturned, he won’t be placed at the bottom of the ranks for that setback.  His debut at 185 lbs. had him take out a UFC veteran and extremely dangerous puncher in Lawler.

Given his performances in the Strikeforce cage and never seeing defeat, legitimately, a middleweight title match could be a contract Larkin soon signs.

“At first I wasn’t in a rush when I first got to Strikeforce,” Larkin said.  “Part of that Mo (Lawal) fight was for title implications for the No. 1 contender spot.  That’s the goal now.  I’m already here, so that’s what I’m looking for now.”

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