Weekly Mixed Martial Arts & Kickboxing News – 07/21/2012
By PDG Staff
Is Tim Sylvia Returning to Zuffa to Fight Daniel Cormier in Strikeforce?
According to several reports, former UFC champion Tim Sylvia has signed on with Strikeforce and will fight Daniel Cormier on a Sept. 29th card at Power Balance Pavilion, formerly the ARCO Arena, in the California state capital.
There has been no official word from the UFC but UFC President Dana White has been adamant in the past that Sylvia will not be employed by Zuffa anytime soon. Here is what Dana had to say about it:
“The signing was never announced, and that ‘long story, but yes, Tim is not with Zuffa.”
UFC 151: Jones vs. Henderson – Fight Card Update
Two top-ten ranked welterweights have verbally agreed to meet in the co-main event of UFC 151 as powerhouse wrestlers Jake “The Juggernaut” Ellenberger and Josh Koscheck will battle it out September 1st.
UFC 151: Jones vs. Henderson
September 1, 2012
Mandalay Bay Events Center
Las Vegas, Nevada
Jon Jones (16-1) vs. Dan Henderson (29-8) – UFC Light Heavyweight Championship Bout
Jake Ellenberger (27-6) vs. Josh Koscheck (17-6)
Dennis Siver (20-8) vs. Eddie Yagin (16-5-1)
Takeya Mizugaki (15-7) vs. Jeff Hougland (10-5)
Danny Castillo (14-4) vs. Michael Johnson (11-6)
Dennis Hallman (51-14-2) vs. Thiago Tavares (17-4-1)
Daron Cruickshank (11-2) vs. Henry Martinez (9-2)
John Lineker (19-6) vs. Yasuhiro Urushitani (19-5-6)
Bogdan Stoica Hospitalized after a Traffic Accident
The Superkombat World Champion at 91kg, Bogdan Stoica, has been hospitalized in the Romania’s Capital city after he was involved in a serious road traffic accident.
While driving a motorcycle, the athlete was caught by a car coming out on the sidewalk without the driver to ensure, so to avoid frontal impact, he turned sharply and hit the asphalt. Bogdan is likely to be transferred tomorrow to another hospital, his friends and colleagues waiting news from his doctors.
“Now all that mathers is Bogdan Stoica’s health, so he will be able to recover fully. From what I understand, he has some problems with his spine, but we are expecting official news from his doctors”, said Eduard Irimia, the President of Superkombat.
The youngest of the Stoica brothers won the world title at 91kg category on may 12 in Cluj Napoca after defeating Croatian Ivan Stanic. In his professional career, Bogdan recorded eight victories and one loss. Superkombat team wishes that Bogdan Stoica has an easy recovery!
UFC on Fox 4: Shogun vs. Vera – Fight Card Update
Ian McCall looks to stay in the flyweight title hunt by taking on a tough opponent in John Moraga on August 4th at UFC on FOX in Los Angeles. Stylistically, it should be an incredible battle between Moraga, an Arizona-based submission specialist making his UFC debut and the dynamic fan favorite McCall, who will get to fight near his Orange County home.
UFC on Fox 4
August 4, 2012
Staples Center
Los Angeles, California
Main Bouts (Fox):
Mauricio “Shogun” Rua (20-6) vs. Brandon Vera (12-5)
Lyoto Machida (17-3) vs. Ryan Bader (14-2)
Travis Browne (13-0-1) vs. Ben Rothwell (32-8)
Joe Lauzon (21-7) vs. Jamie Varner (20-6)
Preliminary Bout (Fuel TV):
Cole Miller (18-6) vs. Nam Phan (17-10)
Phil Davis (9-1) vs. Wagner Prado (8-0)
Ian McCall (11-3-1) vs. John Moraga (10-1)**
Mike Swick (14-4) vs. DaMarques Johnson (15-10)
Josh Grispi (14-3) vs. Rani Yahya (16-7)
Phil De Fries (8-1) vs. Oli Thompson (9-3)
Manny Gamburyan (11-7) vs. Michihiro Omigawa (13-11-1)
**Ian McCall claims to have withdrawn from this fight but no official announcement has been made.
It’s Showtime 59 – Final Card
It’s Showtime 59
July 21, 2012
Tenerife, Spain
70 Kg: David Calvo vs. Andy Ristie
95 Kg: Amir Zeyada vs. Moises Ruibal
Heavy Weight: Sergii Lashchenko vs. Loren Javier Jorge
77 Kg: Maximo Suarez vs. Murthel Groenhart
It’s Showtime World Title: Masahiro Yamamoto vs. Javier Hernandez
70 Kg: Zeben Díaz vs. Andy Souwer
Myles “Fury” Jury – UFC 149 Predictions
UFC 152: Benavidez vs. Johnson – Fight Card Update
The world’s top 125-pound fighters will square off on Saturday, Sept. 22 at Air Canada Centre in Toronto as Joseph Benavidez meets Demetrious Johnson in a bout that will crown the first-ever UFC flyweight champion. The Ultimate Fighting Championship announced that tickets for the inaugural and historic flyweight championship fight will go on sale to the general public on Friday, July 27.
UFC 152: Benavidez vs. Johnson also features an outstanding co-main event between middleweight title contenders Michael Bisping and Brian Stann, as well as the return of UFC legend BJ Penn, as he takes on rising Canadian star Rory MacDonald in welterweight action. In addition, Calgary’s TJ Grant looks to extend his winning streak to three when he meets Evan Dunham in a lightweight contest. Additional fights will be announced at www.ufc.com in the weeks to come.
“Everyone knows how much I love Canada and it’s going to be great to have the first-ever UFC flyweight title fight between Joseph Benavidez and Demetrious Johnson in Toronto on Sept. 22,” UFC President Dana White said. “Both Michael Bisping and Brian Stann want to prove that they deserve a shot at Anderson Silva, so I expect them to go out and put on an incredible fight for the fans.
“BJ Penn called out Rory MacDonald and Rory accepted!” White continued. “BJ is a former two-division champion and he loves having the chance to knock off the welterweight division’s fastest-rising star.”
UFC 152: Benavidez vs. Johnson
September 22, 2012
Air Canada Centre
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Joseph Benavidez (16-2) vs. Demetrious Johnson (15-2-1) – UFC Flyweight Championship Bout
Michael Bisping (22-4) vs. Brian Stann (12-4)
BJ Penn (16-8-2) vs. Rory MacDonald (13-1)
Jimy Hettes (10-0) vs. Mrcus Brimage (5-1)
Igor Pokrajac (25-8) vs. Vinny Magalhaes (9-5)
Evan Dunham (13-2) vs. TJ Grant (18-5)
Bellator returns to Caesars Atlantic City
Bellator Fighting Championships is set for its highly-anticipated return to The Garden State for Bellator 74 on Friday, September 28 from the historic Caesars Atlantic City. The night will feature the start of Bellator’s Season 7 Welterweight Tournament as former Bellator Welterweight Champion and New York native Lyman “Cyborg” Good makes his return to action in Bellator’s Season 7 Welterweight Tournament in front of a raucous New Jersey crowd.
“Caesars Atlantic City has become a second home to Bellator, so kicking off our seventh season in New Jersey was a very easy decision to make,” said Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney. “Atlantic City is a classic fight town and New Jersey is a hotbed for mixed martial arts, so our fans should expect another great night of fights.”
Good returns to Bellator following a dominant, 13 second destruction of LeVon Maynard at Bellator 65 in April. After compiling an impressive 10-fight winning streak to begin his professional career, “Cyborg” hopes that a return to the tournament will yield the same results that saw him become the first ever Bellator Welterweight Champion.
Bellator 74 will mark the seventh Bellator event from Caesars Atlantic City. Fans have been treated to some unbelievably incredible Atlantic City moments, including Daniel Straus defeating Marlon Sandro to become the Bellator Season 6 Featherweight Tournament Champion, Michael Chandler’s impressive victory over Patricky “Pitbull” to capture the Season 4 Lightweight Tournament Championship and Eduardo Dantas capturing the Bellator Bantamweight World Championship by submitting Zach Makovsky.
“Caesars has established a great partnership with Bellator Fighting Championships dating back to our inaugural event of Bellator 44, in May of 2011, and we’re proud of the fact the MTV2 will broadcast the latest tournament live from our venue,” said Don Marrandino, Eastern Division President for Caesars Entertainment. “Bellator Fighting Championships has provided Caesars Atlantic City with six previous MMA exhibitions, but I can honestly say without hesitation that Bellator 74 on Friday, September 28th will be our biggest.”
Tito Ortiz is Pissed Off in Regards to TRT
Tito Ortiz is mad. The UFC hall of famer talked to Inside MMA’s Kenny Rice and Bas Rutten about not only the growing use of TRT in MMA, but how he feels the rules have changed over the last few years. And he doesn’t like the message it’s sending fans and future fighters.
Clash of the Titans: Hague vs. Hackert at MFC 34
In June 1981, the fantasy film hit, Clash of the Titans was released. The film told us a story about Perseus, the son of Zeus, and his epic quest to battle a giant titan called The Kraken. Perseus was small, fast, and smart, and (spoiler alert) he found a way to defeat the titan in the end. In May 2012, Mike Hackert stepped up to fight his own titan in the form of the huge and violent Tim Hague. Like Perseus, Hackert had to use his speed, skill, and technique to achieve victory, but there’s a key difference here. Perseus defeated the Kraken never to return, but Tim Hague, well, he’s back.
On August 10th, the heavyweight division will be fully reborn in the MFC. Tim “The Thrashing Machine” Hague will be slugging it out with Mike “The Honey Badger” Hackert for heavy-duty glory. The winner will be recognized as the greatest Canadian heavyweight fighter in the sport. Yeah, it’s that big.
Tim Hague was the best heavyweight fighter in Canada on May 17, 2012, but on May 18th, Hackert held the honour. The Honey Badger was the much smaller fighter; however, he took the decision after a very high-paced 3 rounds, mostly thanks to his speed and technique on the feet. His plan for MFC 34 is simple – rinse and repeat. “I think it’s going to be the same as last time, “ says Hackert, “He will not be able to take me down, and I’m going to keep it standing. That’s where my strength is.”
Hackert is strong on the feet, and he sent a clear message about his abilities to the MMA community in that fight with Hague. That being noted, when it comes to owning the crown as the greatest Canadian heavy, The Thrashing Machine has a message of his own, “Mike Hackert beat me on May 18th. He took that title from me fair and square, and August 10th, I’ll be damned if I don’t get it back.” Hague’s motivation is palpable, and his voice is confident and unwavering.
Fans may be wondering what could possibly change in the short time since these beasts last locked horns, and the answer is plenty. Hague will likely be entering the ring 20 – 30 pounds lighter than last time. Hackert had a strong focus on gaining new knowledge in what he described as an “amazing camp.” Hague is on a new ultra-clean diet. Hackert is freshly focused on fighting realizing there’s a much bigger bullseye on his back. Ultimately these guys know how to rock the show in an MMA arena, and they’re both more determined than ever to prove their worth going live on AXS TV.
That’s right, MFC fans. AXS TV is in the mix. The Heavyweight Division is back. The biggest Canadian fight in history is upon us. Don’t think these fighters don’t know it either, “It’s going to be one hell of a fight, and it’s going to kick off the heavyweight division with a bang,” exclaims Tim Hague. His opponent agrees, “Our last fight was great to watch, and this fight is perfect for the main card.”
That’s where the agreement ends. When picturing the perfect way for this fight to play out, Hackert wants a repeat of last time. That way the fans get a great show, and he walks away a winner. Tim Hague has a different vision, ““I want to break him down, and do what he did to me in the first fight and let him see how it feels. I’m not going in there throwing haymakers, but I want to finish him definitely by the second round.” Hague maintains that Hackert deserved the win last time but cautions anyone betting against him at the Mayfield this August, “I was out of shape for our last fight, and I’m going to be showing up in shape this time.”
This is big for fans as all signs point to a highly entertaining fight. Mike Hackert wants to outbox Hague, and Tim Hague thinks he’s done what he needs to do to put Hackert away. Let’s be frank. Hague knows how to knock people out, Hackert is one of the faster heavyweights in the game, and this one ain’t going to the ground. There may not be a ton of trash talk leading up to the fight, but the gun powder is inside both these ring warriors. Hague gives Hackert full respect for the first fight, but that’s where it ends, “As far as this fight goes, he’s not getting any respect from me.” Hackert may not engage in personal attacks either, but he doesn’t think his opponent is necessarily making the right move by slimming down, “It sounds like he’s getting lighter. I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”
The significance of the return of the heavys and the debut of the MFC on AXS TV is not lost on these guys and both are working their fists to the bone preparing. Hague has worked with strength and conditioning guru Shara Vigeant and the kickboxing monsters at Frank Lee’s. He’s also continued his work with BJJ beast Kyle Cardinal and the big boy in his camp, Mike Cobey. Mike Hackert realizes the target on his back since his last fight with Tim, especially now that he’s built his sponsor list to include Never Tap, Fitness Etc., Reign , Bryce Hansen Remax, Comox Valley Boxing Club, CV Fitness, and Zuma. There’s no room left on his shorts, but he hasn’t lost his sense of humour. When asked what came to mind when hearing he is considered the greatest Canadian HW in MMA, he chuckled, “Good timing, Mike. Good timing.”
The ring will be rocked on August 10th as these two exceptional athletes and monstrous men go to war. Leading up to the big fight, Hackert wants to send a message to Tim Hague, “Let’s put on another good show, man.” Could Hackert be baiting The Thrashing Machine into going into full run-and-gun mode again? Maybe. It’s also a possibility that Hague sees some benefit in getting into his opponent’s head, and he has a message as well, “I saw a posting on facebook about Mike not giving a **** about size. I want him to know I’m bringing a lot more than size to this fight.” No matter who takes this moment and squeezes victory from it, every fan sitting in Mayfield Centre or watching on AXS TV will be in for a scorching scrap.
In June 1981, the fantasy film hit, Clash of the Titans was released. That was a movie. This is real. The smaller, faster hero may, once again, take victory, but the awoken giant has learned from the last encounter and may exact his revenge. Metaphors aside, on August 10, 2012, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, the greatest Canadian heavyweight fighter will be crowned. Look out.
Georges St-Pierre at United Front Games working on Sleeping Dogs
[hana-flv-player video=”http://videos.punchdrunkgamer.com/videos/Sleeping_Dogs_GSP_at_UFG.flv”
width=”550″
height=”430″
description=”Georges St-Pierre at United Front Games working on Sleeping Dogs”
player=”4″
autoload=”true” autoplay=”false”
loop=”false” autorewind=”false”
/]
From the PunchDrunkGamer Forums:
* Former UFC Fighter Sherman Pendergarst Passes Away at 45
* UFC 153: Aldo vs. Koch – Card Updates
* K-1 Announces Open Tryouts at Muscle Beach in Los Angeles
* One FC 5: Pride of a Nation – Card Updates
* Romie Adanza and Chaz Mulkey sign with K-1
* UFC & Roots of Fight Launch New Collaboration
Post your comments directly below! You can also discuss the latest MMA & Video Game News in the PunchDrunkGamer Forums and don’t forget to Follow PDG on Twitter @PunchDrunkGamer and Like the PDG Official Facebook Page!
