MMA Spot

Aleksander Emelianenko Not Fighting in Korea

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 15:25:47 EST

Aleksander Emelianenko, brother of Fed- or, has officially gone on record saying he will not fight against Blagoy Ivanov in Seoul, South Korea. The fight, which was originally scheduled for September 29, but unofficial news that Ivanov injured both hands left Emelianenko without an opponent.

Paul Buentello Reportedly Leaves Strikeforce, Heading To The UFC

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:50:15 EST

According to a report from Sherdog. com, former UFC heavyweight number one contender Paul "The Headhunter" Buentello has been released from Strikeforce and is working on a deal that would see him return to the UFC. Buentello carries a 3-1 UFC record on his resume with the only loss coming by way of knockout to then champion Andrei Arlovski.

Evangelista vs Gurgel To Main Event Nov. 6 Strikeforce Challengers Event

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:35:07 EST

Undefeated lightweight sensation Bil- ly Evangelista (9-0) will square off with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt Jor- ge Gurgel (13-5) in the main event when the STRIKEFORCE: Challen- gers MMA series returns to Save Mart Center in Fresno, California on Friday, November 6. Former Fresno State University wrestling star and Fresno native Casey “The Under- dog” Olson (11-3) will return to action in the cage in a lightweight (155 pounds) matchup against an opponent that has yet to be determined.

Full UFC 103: Franklin vs Belfort Bouts Confirmed

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:18:55 EST

As the saying goes, everything’s bigger in Texas – including the fight cards. With the superfight between former middleweight champion Rich Franklin and Vitor Belfort already signed, the Ultimate Fighting Cha- mpionship is set to put on a record 13 fights for UFC 103: Franklin vs. Belfort, which is presented by TEQUILA CAZAD- ORES, live from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas on September 19.

2-Time Olympian Daniel Cormier To Make MMA Debut At Strikeforce Sept 25

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 22:41:35 EST

Two-time United States Olympic wrest- ling team member and former NCAA Division I national championship run- ner up Daniel Cormier will make his mixed martial arts debut at the STRI- KEFORCE: Challengers event at Tulsa, Oklahoma's SpiritBank Event Center on Friday, September 25. Cormier (0-0) will face an opponent that has yet to be determined on the live SHOWTIME televised portion of the first-ever STRIKEFORCE card in the state of Oklahoma.

On The Spot ~ Raffaello 'Tractor' Oliveira

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:16:31 EST

MMA Spot's Jesse Denis recently caught up with newly signed UFC prospect, Rafaello 'Tractor' Oliveira. Oliveira, a Brazilian jiu- jitsu black belt and two-time North Ameri- can Grappling Association champion, trains with current UFC Lightweight Champion BJ Penn. He is now set to make his debut at "UFC 103" in Dallas, Tex. on September 19. He will take on fellow newcomer Nik Lentz, who is filling in for the injured Dan Lauzon. We asked Tractor how getting ready for three different oppon- ents has affected his training, what it's like training with the champion, and much more.

Matt Hamill vs. Jon Jones In The Works For "TUF 10 Finale"

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:05:20 EST

According to a recent report from MMAjunkie.com, the camps for Matt "The Hammer" (7-2) and Jon "Bones" Jones (9-0) are currently negotiating a bout agreement that will set up a head-to-head meeting between the two rising prospects. The light heavyweight contest is tentatively proposed for "The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale," scheduled to take place on Decem- ber 5 in Las Vegas, Nev. The match is expected the serve as the co-main event.

Rick Story Reportedly In For Daley Against Brian Foster

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:23:14 EST

With Paul Daley stepping in against Martin Kampmann at UFC 103, his original oppo- nent, Brian Foster, is in need of an op- ponent. Enter Rick Story. MMAjunkie.com is reporting that Story has agreed to face Foster on short notice. UFC 103 will be broadcast on pay-per-view September 19, from American Airlines Arena in Dallas, with part of the preliminary card also broadcast live on cable network Spike.

Gesias "JZ" Calvacante VS Daisuke Nakamura At DREAM 11

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:15:58 EST

In what was already looking like a stacked event DREAM has added another great fight to the card. The always dangerous Gesias "JZ" Calvacante (14-3-1) is set to take on the master of the armbar Daisuke Nakamura (20-10). This event which will air live on HDNET in North America is set to take place Oct 6 at the Yokohama Arena in Kanagawa, Japan.

Fight Card Set For "MFC 22: Payoff"

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:37:56 EST

Maximum Fighting Championship’s has finalized the card for "MFC 22: Payoff." The event will be held on Friday, October 2 at the River Cree Resort and Casino just outside Ed- monton, Alberta, and will be broad- cast live throughout North America on HDNet Fights. The card is high- lighted by the much anticipated MFC return of mixed martial arts superstar Jason “The Athlete” MacDonald who will take on Travis “The Serial Killer” Lutter in a three-round middleweight show- down.

Clementi vs. Duncan To Headline Cage Wars Championship

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:56:52 EST

Popular UFC veteran Rich "No Love" Clementi (33-14-1) will return to fighting against Peter "Slam" Duncan (4-5) at Cage Wars Championship's "Nightmare" event on November 29th in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Cage Wars Championship is a UK based promotion that has been holding events since 2002 and has featured such fighters as Seth Petruzelli, Shonie Carter, Dan Severn and Jeff Monson. "Nightmare" will be the promotion's 12th event and the 7th to be held in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Marcus Davis vs Ben Saunders Expected For UFC 106 In November

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:27:01 EST

Two of the UFC welterweight division’s most popular fighters are reportedly set to face off against one another on November 21, at UFC 106. The reports state that Ben Saunders will meet Marcus Davis in a pivotal bout for both fighters. With each man coming off losses, a second consecutive loss for either fighter could move them way down the ladder in what many believe to be the organizations deepest division.

UFC 105 & 106 Details Made Official

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:04:17 EST

UFC officials have finally made the next two UFC events official. The first, UFC 105, will be making a return to England on November 14 from the M.E.N. Arena. While just a week later, on November 21, UFC 106 is expected to be held from Las Vegas, Nevada. While neither card has had any bouts officially added the cards are already filling up with proposed or previously agreed-upon match ups.

Gegard Mousasi Injured; Out of Dream 11 Tournament

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 17:01:50 EST

MMA Weekly is reporting that Gerard Mousasi (26-2-1) has been forced to withdraw from the semi-finals of the "Super Hulk Tournament" scheduled for October 6 on the DREAM 11 card. Mousasi defeated Mark Hunt, who had an 85 pound weight advantage, by armbar to reach the semi finals. One source cites the exhibition grappling match between Mousasi and Fedor Emelianenko, which included many Sambo based throws, as the cause of injury.

Could Strikeforce Be Scheduling Fedor vs Rogers For Oct. 10 In N.J.?

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 11:29:25 EST

According to reports, Russian Sam- bo fighter Fedor Emelianenko's much anticipated debut for Strikeforce may come on Oct. 10 on Showtime from Newark, NJ. With no announcement or fanfare, Showtime added an event opening to their schedule for the October date. It could put the former Pride champion's debut against highly touted prospect Brett Rogers a little more than a month away. Previous speculation suggested a much later November date for this fight.

Dan Miller Out At UFN 19, Jay Silva Steps In

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 09:44:21 EST

MMASpot has confirmed that Dan Miller (11-2) has suffered an in- fection that will keep him out of his scheduled fight with CB Dollaway (8-2) at UFN 19. Miller was looking to comeback strong after a disapointing performance against Chael Sonnen back at UFC 98.

Gina Carano To Star In Spy Thriller; Rampage Possibly Singed On For The A-Team

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 06:28:57 EST

Two of MMA’s biggest stars are moving from the blood stained mats to the silver screen. Gina Carano and Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson are headed for starring film roles in what are likely major motion pictures. While Carano’s role in the Steven Soderbergh directed Knockout is confirmed, Jackson’s signing as B.A. Baracus in The A-Team is still being rumored. The two are certain to see their popularity in MMA spill over into box office success.

USA West Finalizing Its Roster For "M-1 Challenge"

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 16:09:50 EST

Considered by many pundits to be the odds-on favorite to win the 2009 "M-1 Challenge," Team USA West announced Monday four fifths of its roster for its upcoming semifinal matchup on Sept. 26 in Rostov, Russia. USA West earned front-runner status after besting Brazil Naja, Russia Imperial, and South Korea in a deep Group B pool by posting a perfect 3-0 record and a stellar individual record of 13-2. But while USA West will field a formidable lineup vs. its U.S. counterparts, noticeably absent from the roster are two of its top fighters, lightweight Dave Jansen and light heavyweight Raphael Davis.

On The Spot ~ Carlos "The Natural Born Killer" Condit

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 10:00:39 EST

In April of 2009, Carlos "The Natural Born Killer" Condit made his UFC debut against former middleweight contender, turned wel- terweight, Martin Kampmann at "UFC Fight Night 18." Condit and Kampmann treated the fans to a highly competitive and enter- taining fight, and although the judges’ de- cision gave Kampmann the victory, it was by no means an underwhelming performance by Condit. Set to take on UFC newcomer Jake Ellenberger on Sept. 16, Carlos sat down with MMA Spot's Matthew DeMarinis to discuss his new camp, how he gets his mind right for fighting, what part of his game has improved the most, and also how he would approach a fight with UFC Welterweight Champion Georges “Rush” St. Pierre.

Josh Neer Officially Replaces Sherk At "UFC 104"

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 17:49:04 EST

According to the UFC’s official web- site, Sean Sherk has been removed from his scheduled bout with Glei- son Tibau and his replacement has now been secured. Miletich fighter Josh “The Dentist” Neer will face the American Top Team product, Tibau, on the main card of “UFC 104: Machida vs. Shogun,” set to take place on Oct. 24 live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Calif.