Weekly Mixed Martial Arts and Kickboxing News – 03/23/2013
By PDG Staff
GLORY 7 Milan: World No. 1 Ranked Italian Superstar Giorgio Petrosyan Collides With Rival Sensation Hafid El Boustati
World No. 1 lightweight (70 kilograms/154 pounds) Giorgio Petrosyan (75-1, 35 KOs) of Italy will headline the GLORY 7 Milan kickboxing mega-event against fellow sensation Hafid El Boustati (67-7-3, 18 KOs) of The Netherlands on Saturday, April 20 at the Mediolanum Forum in Milan, Italy.
“Giorgio Petrosyan is one of the greatest fighters of his generation, so it is no accident that he is ranked No. 1 in the world,” said Andrew Whitaker, Glory Sports International CEO. “Milan is perhaps the world’s style capital, so we can expect an especially slick performance from Petrosyan as he headlines GLORY 7 in front of his hometown fans against an emerging and ferocious contender in El Boustati.”
El Boustati rides a seven-fight win-streak into this clash, which marks his GLORY debut. In 2012, he experienced a major breakthrough year that saw him defeat, amongst others, superstar Robin Van Roosmalen in a bout for the now-defunct league, It’s Showtime, which GLORY acquired last Oct. Ranked No. 2 in the GLORY World Federation rankings, Van Roosmalen was the heavy favorite to win the matchup, but was stopped two minutes into the second round d! ue to cuts sustained.
El Boustati, a strong technician with superior punching power, fights out of Mousid Gym in Amsterdam and counts fellow GLORY stars Mosab ‘Jaguar’ Amrani and Mourad Bouzidi amongst his training partners. The matchup with Petrosyan, known for a highly technical style, represents the biggest opportunity of El Boustati’s career.
“Honestly, I see a lot of weaknesses in Petrosyan’s style,” El Boustati says of his nearly unbeaten opponent. “He fights scared, he avoids the fight. Don’t get me wrong, he is a very good fighter and he doesn’t take damage but he is very defensive and that can be a problem for a fighter when he gets certain opponents.
“He is very technical? Well I am very technical too,” continued El Boustati, “and I also have power to knock someone out. I know that I need to finish him because, let’s be honest, is there any chance I am going to win on points in Italy against Petrosyan? No. So I am going in there to beat him up. I will make him have a real fight for a change.”
UFC on FOX 7: Henderson vs. Melendez – Fight Card Update
With main card welterweight Dan Hardy suffering an injury, UFC on FOX 7 will get a new Mein event: 23-year-old Canadian prospect Jordan “Young Guns” Mein has been tapped to face “The Immortal” Matt Brown. Bantamweight Francisco Rivera has also been injured; TJ Dillashaw will step in and look to make it four wins in a row against undefeated Brazilian Hugo “Wolverine” Viana. Both 135-pounders scored impressive knockouts in their last outings. Mein, Dillashaw and featherweight Darren Elkins are all coming off of stoppage victories at Saturday’s UFC 158 and jumping right back into action as injury replacements at the April 20 event in San Jose.
UFC on Fox 7: Henderson vs. Melendez
April 20, 2013
HP Pavilion
San Jose, California
Main Card:
Benson Henderson (18-2) vs. Gilbert Melendez (21-2) – UFC lightweight title bout
Daniel Cormier (11-0) vs. Frank Mir (16-6)
Nate Diaz (16-8) vs. Josh Thomson (19-5)
Matt Brown (16-11) vs. Jordan Mein (27-8)
Preliminary Card:
Norman Parke (17-2) vs. John Tuck (7-0)
Francis Carmont (20-7) vs. Lorenz Larkin (13-0)
Myles Jury (11-0) vs. Ramsey Nijem (7-2)
TJ Dillashaw (7-1) vs. Hugo Viani (7-1)
Tim Means (18-3-1) vs. Jorge Masvidal (23-7)
Chad Mendes (13-1) vs. Darren Elkins (11-2)
Anthony Njokuani (15-7) vs. Roger Bowling (11-3)
Clifford Starks (8-1) vs. Yoel Romero (4-1)
Joseph Benavidez (17-3) vs. Darren Uyenoyama (8-3)
Cyborg Santos Gets New Opponent – Fiona Muxlow for Invicta FC Debut
Pound for pound great and vicious KO artist Cris Cyborg (10-1, 1 NC) of Curitiba, Brazil will square off with rising star Fiona Muxlow (6-2) of Townsville, Queensland Australia in a featured featherweight (145 pounds) bout at the Invicta Fighting Championships women’s Mixed Martial Arts world championship doubleheader event at Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City after a rib injury sustained in training camp forced Cyborg’s original opponent Ediane “India” Gomes to withdraw from the scheduled matchup. Muxlow’s original Invicta FC 5 featherweight opponent, hard-punching Julia “The Jewel” Budd (4-2) of Port Moody, BC Canada, will be matched with a new opponent to be announced soon.
Fighting out of Team Takedown Australia, the 35-year-old, 5-foot-5 Muxlow, a highly-skilled grappler, recently reeled off three consecutive victories before her win streak was snapped at the hands of top-ranked superstar Marloes Coenen at Saitama Super Arena in Japan on Dec. 31, 2012. Muxlow jump started her professional career by defeating three consecutive opponents – all by way of submission – in one night of action in a featherweight tournament in New Zealand on June 2, 2007.
The 27-year-old Cyborg is universally recognized as the most devastating striker in the women’s field of MMA fighters, pulverizing her way to 8 (T)KO victories since making her pro debut in 2005. Cyborg took her career to new heights in a main event showdown with superstar rival Gina Carano on Aug. 15, 2009, quickly overwhelming and stopping Carano with a barrage of punches in the first round (4:59) of their meeting to become the first-ever Strikeforce women’s world champion in history. The long-awaited fight set a new viewership record for MMA on premium cable channel SHOWTIME.
Michael Bisping Talks About his UFC 159 Opponent Alan Belcher and Berates Vitor Belfort
“The Count” Michael Bisping was a guest on the UFC Tonight show this week and he had some choice words for his opponent at UFC 159, Alan Belcher and he also took a shot at the man that nearly took his off, Vitor Belfort.
On Belcher:
“He’s talked about tattoo bets. He’s sitting in the back of the Rolls Royce Phantom, showing off because he has a rich friend. That’s not what I’m about, showing off. I’m focusing on the fight. How about this? I challenge you to a fight on April 27, and the winner takes all the pride and glory. You can take your tattoos and your Phantom and stick them where the sun doesn’t shine. I’ll see you April 27 and I will beat you.”
“I never underestimate an opponent, but I truly believe I’m the better fighter. I’ve got the better skill set. I think I’m a tougher person. If we were to meet off the street with no martial arts training I would win every time. I’m in a different league and I have to prove it. My last fight didn’t go to plan. I have to go out and get redemption for my last performance. I have to go out and knock him out. I want to prove I’m one of the best in the middleweight division and to do that I’ve got to take him out and take him out in style.”
On Belfort:
“Vitor tweeted me directly, ‘Look Michael Bisping, my head kick to you has started a fever across the world’ and he had pictures of people throwing kicks, which I took exception to and found a little insulting. So I challenged him to a rematch in Nevada where he can’t get a license to use his steroids. I’m a clean fighter, forget the steroids, let’s do it again.”
Ronda Rousey to Coach TUF 18 Opposite Tate vs. Zingano Winner
UFC champion Ronda Rousey is set to coach opposite the winner of Miesha Tate vs. Cat Zingano bout, which takes place at The Ultimate Fighter Finale on April 13; Male and female bantamweights (135lbs) invited to try-out for season 18 on April 15. In a move set to make history, The Ultimate Fighting Championship announced at UFC 158 that it will feature women as coaches on the 18th season of The Ultimate Fighter, its long-running reality series. Newly minted UFC bantamweight champion, Ronda Rousey, will coach opposite the winner, and eventual title contender, of a fight between Miesha Tate and Cat Zingano set for The Ultimate Fighter Finale on April 13 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Earlier this year, the UFC announced Rousey as the first-ever female fighter signed to the organization. She cemented her position as UFC champion and baddest woman on the planet with an impressive win against Liz Carmouche at UFC 157 in Anaheim, California.
On April 13, former Strikeforce bantamweight women’s champion Miesha Tate will square-off against highly touted, undefeated contender Cat Zingano in the second women’s bout in UFC history. The winner will ultimately join Rousey as coach to the newest class of bantamweights – living and training together – vying for the title of The Ultimate Fighter and a six–figure contract with the UFC.
Tryouts for season 18 of The Ultimate Fighter will take place on Monday, April 15 in Las Vegas, Nevada. All TUF 18 candidates must be at least 21 years old, have the legal ability to live & work in the United States, and have a minimum of three professional Mixed Martial Arts fights – holding a winning record (with verifiable records).
ONE FC Bantamweight Grand Prix – Video Preview
XFC 24: Holtzman vs. Newell Announced for June 14th at the USF Sundome
Xtreme Fighting Championships will return to Tampa Bay on June 14 for XFC 24 at the USF Sundome. The promotion has been touring the United States, outside of Florida since December of 2011, and will return to the city where it all began for an event that is headlined with the first title defense for current Lightweight Champion “Notorious” Nick Newell (9-0) and rising star Scott “Hot Sauce” Holtzman (4-0).
A full bout line up has not been announced, however the show is expected to feature some of the top fighters under the XFC banner, several top local standouts, a women’s bout, and recent Open Fighter Tryout winner Jeremiah Labiano. Numerous Florida fighters are under contract with the promotion and generally travel out of state to be a part of XFC events, so it is likely that a descent handful will be a part of the first event in their home state in almost 2 years.
More UFC Failed Drug Tests, Two Fighters Cut, One Suspended
Lavar Johnson and Riki Fukuda are now unemployed and “Bruce Leeroy” Alex Caceres has been suspended for six months and will have to attend drug rehab. Johnson, who lost a unanimous decision to Brendan Schaub at UFC 157, got popped for elevated levels of testosterone. Fukuda claimed cold medicine was the culprit for his failed test and Caceres took full responsibility for the marijuana.
Here is what Zuffa/UFC had to say about Fukuda and Caceres:
The UFC organization has a strict, consistent policy against the use of any illegal and/or performance-enhancing drugs, stimulants or masking agents. All 22 fighters on the UFC on FUEL TV 8 card were drug tested at the event and all fighters passed their drug tests with the exception of Alex Caceres and Riki Fukuda.
Caceres tested positive for marijuana metabolites following his bout. He has agreed to attend drug rehabilitation classes and will receive a 6-month suspension retroactive to the date of the event and must pass a drug test upon completion of the suspension before receiving clearance to compete again. The outcome of Caceres bout against Kyung Ho Kang will be changed to a no contest.
Fukuda’s results showed the presence of Phenylpropanolamine, Norpseudoephedrine and Ephedrine, which are stimulants and banned substances. Based on Fukuda’s last loss he has been released from his contract with the UFC and the results of his positive test will be reported to the official Association of Boxing Commissions record-keeper.
UFC on FUEL TV 9: Gustafsson vs. Mousasi – Fight Card Update
The Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to Ericsson Globe Arena in Stockholm, Sweden on Saturday, April 6 for UFC Stockholm 2013: Gustafsson vs. Mousasi. Rising Swedish light heavyweight Alexander “The Mauler” Gustafsson will headline the five-round main event, taking on former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Gegard Mousasi, of the Netherlands, on FUEL TV. This will mark the UFC’s second trip to Sweden.
UFC on Fuel TV 9: UFC Sweden 2 – Gustafsson vs. Mousasi
April 6, 2013
Ericsson Globe Arena
Stockholm, Sweden
Main Card (Fuel TV):
Alexander Gustafsson (15-1) vs. Gegard Mousasi (33-3-2)
Ryan Couture (6-1) vs. Ross Pearson (14-6)
Matt Mitrione (5-2) vs. Phil DeFries (9-2)
Brad Pickett (22-7) vs. Mike Easton (13-2)
Diego Brandao (15-8) vs. Pablo Garza (12-3)
Akira Corrasani (10-3) vs. Robbie Peralta (16-3)
Preliminary Card (Facebook):
Reza Madadi (12-3) vs. Michael Johnson (12-7)
Chris Spang (5-1) vs. Adlan Amagov (11-2-1)
Marcus Brimage (6-1) vs. Conor McGregor (12-2)
Benny Alloway (12-3) vs. Ryan LaFlare (7-0)
Michael Kuiper (12-1) vs. Tom Lawlor (8-5)
Papy Abedi (8-2) vs. Basem Yousef (8-1)
Tor Troeng (15-4-1) vs. Adam Cella (4-0)
Harley Davidson and UFC Reunite for Epic 2013 – Hometown Throwdown Event
One Fan to Win Motorcycle and VIP Experience at the Harley-Davidson Hometown Throwdown during Harley’s 110th Anniversary at UFC 164 in Milwaukee To celebrate 110 years of freedom, Harley-Davidson Motor Company is riding again with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The UFC and Harley-Davidson first teamed up five years ago to forge a unique partnership between these two heavyweight brands.
“It’s been an amazing ride with the UFC,” said Dino Bernacchi, Harley-Davidson Marketing Director. “In this – Harley-Davidson’s 110th Anniversary year – we’re upping the ante and putting one lucky fan in the center of the action as only Harley and the UFC can.”
In 2013, the centerpiece of the partnership will be the Harley-Davidson Hometown Throwdown event on Harley’s home turf, Milwaukee, during the iconic brand’s 110th Anniversary Celebration over Labor Day Weekend. One grand prize winner will score a customized Street Bob motorcycle and receive a VIP trip to the Harley-Davidson Hometown Throwdown. Additionally, the winner will make an appearance in the Octagon during the Harley-Davidson Hometown Throwdown event at UFC 164 at the Bradley Center on August 31, as his or her custom designed 110th anniversary logo will be painted in the Octagon.
“The UFC is excited to team with Harley-Davidson again and play such a pivotal role in Harley’s 110th Anniversary celebration during UFC 164,” said Dana White, UFC President. “The UFC and its fighters are proud to be members of the Harley-Davidson family.”
Fans can enter for their chance to win by going www.harley-davidson.com/UFC. On the site, fans can create their own 110th Anniversary graphic and share why their image is worthy of the Octagon and the VIP prize package.
Former UFC Fighter Che Mills Returns at Cage Warriors 55
Cathal Pendred will make his first defense of the CWFC welterweight title on home turf this summer. The recently-crowned champion will put his belt on the line when he takes on Che Mills at Cage Warriors 55 on Saturday, June 1. Cage Warriors 55, which will also feature a four-man flyweight title tournament, is set to take place at The Helix in Dublin, Ireland.
Pendred (12-2-1) has remained unbeaten in his six bouts under the Cage Warriors banner since making his debut for the organization back in November 2010. The 25-year-old Irishman earned his title shot courtesy of wins over David Bielkheden and Bruno Carvalho last year, before dethroning previous CWFC welterweight champion Gael Grimaud with a unanimous decision victory earlier this month at Cage Warriors 52.
“Fighting in my own backyard in a venue full of crazy Irish fans against a guy who was in the UFC until very recently, I couldn’t have asked for a better way to defend my title for the first time,” said Pendred,
“I can guarantee that the caliber of my opponent and the atmosphere the Irish fans will create is going to bring out the best in me.”
Mills (15-5-0-2) has spent the last two years of his career with the UFC, where he clocked up a 2-1-0-1 record which included wins against Chris Cope and Duane Ludwig. At UFC on Fuel TV 7 at London’s Wembley Arena last month, the 30-year-old Gloucester native was beaten by Matt Riddle by split decision, but the result was later overturned as a ‘no contest’ after Riddle failed a drug test. Mills, who’ll be returning to CWFC action for the first time since defeating Jake Hecht at Cage Warriors 38, said: “I’m really excited about this opportunity. This fight will be a war, but I’m not leaving without the belt.”
Ultimate UFC: Matt Hughes “My First Fights”
From the PunchDrunkGamer Forums:
* K-1 Qualifying Tournaments Announced
* The Ultimate Fighter 17 – Discussion, Rumors and Results!
* UFC announces return to KeyArena on July 27 – UFC on FOX 8
* The Ultimate Fighter Brasil 2 – Discussion, Rumors & Results
Post your comments directly below! You can also discuss the latest MMA and Video Game News in the PunchDrunkGamer Forums and don’t forget to Follow PDG on Twitter @PunchDrunkGamer and Like the PDG Official Facebook Page!
